Tropical Storm Milton is intensifying and is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane before hitting Florida on Wednesday. The storm poses life-threatening risks, particularly to Florida’s west coast. A state of emergency has been declared, and related storm systems are also being monitored in the Atlantic.
The National Hurricane Center has issued critical warnings regarding Tropical Storm Milton, which is anticipated to strengthen into a significant Category 3 hurricane prior to making landfall in Florida on Wednesday. The center’s senior hurricane specialist, Jack Beven, noted that Milton is expected to escalate to hurricane status today, possibly evolving into a major hurricane as it traverses the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico. As of the latest advisory, Milton was situated approximately 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa, with sustained winds currently measuring at 60 mph. The hurricane center indicated a growing risk of life-threatening impacts for Florida’s west coast. Recent reconnaissance flights by a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft confirmed that the storm has already intensified since earlier advisories. A tropical storm watch was issued for coastal Mexico regions from Celestun to Cancun. Favorable atmospheric and oceanic conditions, alongside lower vertical wind shear, suggest that Milton could gain strength rapidly over the next few days. Forecasters anticipate the storm will reach hurricane strength by nightfall and potentially escalate to a major hurricane with winds of up to 120 mph by Tuesday night. The projected path indicates a possible landfall near Tampa Bay with the cone of uncertainty extending from Naples to the Big Bend region. However, discrepancies in forecast models highlight the inherent unpredictability of both the storm’s track and intensity. As Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 35 counties in anticipation of the storm, the hurricane center cautioned residents not to fixate on the exact projected path due to significant forecast errors. Alongside Tropical Storm Milton, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two hurricanes in the Atlantic – Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie. Kirk, currently a Category 2 hurricane, is expected to weaken but will still pose risks to the Azores. Leslie, on the other hand, has been classified as a Category 1 hurricane and is projected to continue its path northwestward. A developing tropical wave off Africa’s coast could also bring additional storm risks, albeit with a low probability of significant development. As of now, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has featured an above-average frequency of storms, with 13 named storms and eight hurricanes recorded, including three major hurricanes between the end of Hurricane Helene and the recent formations. The season is officially active from June 1 through November 30.
This article discusses the impending threat posed by Tropical Storm Milton, which is projected to become a major hurricane impacting Florida. The report includes detailed information from the National Hurricane Center on the storm’s current status, anticipated trajectory, and potential impacts on Florida’s west coast. It also provides context regarding other storm activity in the Atlantic and insights into the overall 2024 hurricane season.
In summary, Tropical Storm Milton poses a significant threat to Florida, with expectations of it intensifying into a Category 3 hurricane. Authorities and citizens are urged to prepare for potentially life-threatening conditions. The unpredictability surrounding the storm’s intensity and path necessitates vigilance and readiness in affected areas. Concurrently, other Atlantic hurricanes are being monitored, highlighting the ongoing risks during this active hurricane season.
Original Source: www.tampabay.com
