Tropical Storm Milton is forming in the Gulf of Mexico, could intensify as a hurricane that threatens Florida – National
The storm that was blowing through the Gulf of Mexico early Saturday has intensified into Tropical Storm Milton, which forecasters warn could become a storm heading toward Florida next week.
Tropical Storm Milton is about 220 miles (355 kilometers) northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in a 1:25 pm EST advisory.
Although there were no coastal watches or warnings in effect, the hurricane center said the Florida Peninsula, Florida Keys, Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula and the northwestern Bahamas should monitor the system’s progress.
The storm is forecast to strengthen and bring the risk of life-threatening impacts to parts of Florida’s West Coast next week, as hurricane and hurricane watches are likely to go into effect Sunday. Parts of Florida are expected to experience heavy rain starting Sunday. The rain will bring the risk of flash floods in cities and towns, as well as flooding of rivers.
“There is an increased risk of life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts along parts of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning late Tuesday or Wednesday. Residents in these areas should make sure they have their storm plan in place, follow any advice given by local officials, and check for updates on this forecast,” the agency said.
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Looking east, Leslie has strengthened into a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean but does not threaten the country, forecasters said.
The storm was located Saturday about 725 miles (1,170 kilometers) west-southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands and had sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph). There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk remained a major Category 4 storm, and waves from the system were affecting the Leeward Islands, Bermuda, and the Greater Antilles, forecasters said. It is expected that this storm will spread to the East Coast of the United States, the Atlantic Coast of Canada and the Bahamas on Saturday night and Sunday.
Forecasters warned that waves could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Kirk is expected to be weak from Saturday, the center said.
Although there were no warnings or coastal watches in effect for Kirk, the center said those in the Azores, where swells are likely on Monday, should monitor the storm’s progress.
Kirk was about 975 kilometers (1,570 miles) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands with sustained winds of 130 mph (209 kph).
Storms hit the Atlantic as rescuers in the Southeast US searched for missing people after Hurricane Helene struck last week, leaving a trail of death and widespread damage.
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