Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a major hurricane in three days, posing a threat to Florida’s storm-battered west coast. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 counties, including Pinellas County, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Milton’s rapid growth from a tropical depression to a tropical storm has raised concerns, with forecasters predicting it will reach major hurricane status by Wednesday. The storm is fueled by warm Gulf of Mexico waters, with water temperatures near 86 degrees. Milton’s path is rare, as only two storms originating in the Bay of Campeche have struck Florida since 1850. The storm is the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and could bring heavy rain to Florida ahead of its arrival. Residents are urged to prepare by having food, water, and necessary supplies on hand, and closely monitoring updates from local officials and the National Hurricane Center. Sandbags are being made available in Pinellas County, and potential impacts from the storm should be closely monitored in the coming days.
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Tropical Storm Milton on track to strengthen into major hurricane as it approaches Florida
