A damaging weather threat is unfolding in Florida next week. The latest Gulf topical storm is forecast to strengthen quickly into a strong hurricane, hitting the Florida Gulf coast with damaging winds and flooding downpours.
Tropical Storm Milton is churning over warm waters in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The strengthening system could become a hurricane Sunday night, and is tracking for a potential direct hit on the Tampa Bay area Wednesday.
Hurricane and Storm Surge watches will likely be required for portions of Florida on Sunday.
But, a wide ‘cone of uncertainty’ as of Saturday morning means that the center of the storm could hit from the hurricane-battered Big Bend area to the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, so residents and businesses throughout the state should prepare for the impact of a strong hurricane.
Forecasts call for torrential rainfall, flooding, and the potential for life-threatening storm surge. The storm will bring rough surf, dangerous seas and strong winds that will cause power outages and even tornadoes.
NHC
Areas of rainfall will begin impacting Florida on Sunday into Monday, well ahead of the tropical system. Heavy rainfall directly related to the system are expected over the state Tuesday into Wednesday. This rainfall brings the risk of flash, urban, and areal flooding, along with minor to isolated moderate river flooding.
