FLORIDA, USA — Florida is once again bracing for a major hurricane.
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene caused major damage to Florida and the southeast United States, Tropical Storm Milton is threatening the Sunshine State. Milton is still strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a major hurricane by Sunday night or Monday morning.
According to the National Hurricane Center, "there is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning late Tuesday or Wednesday."
Flood watches were already in effect for much of the state Sunday morning.
Live interactive radar
Forecast and projected path
On Sunday morning, thunderstorm activity persisted in the Gulf south of Texas and east of Mexico. The storms appeared to better organize, and Milton is expected to move east or northeast toward central and southwest Florida, then into the Atlantic Ocean.
Milton could rapidly intensify in the coming days.
Computer models suggest a stronger hurricane threat is imminent for Florida. The NHC is forecasting Milton to approach Florida as a Category 3 or higher.
On the plus side, Milton is not expected to bring as much storm surge as Helene. However some areas that experienced surge from Helene could again see surge from Milton, especially between Pinellas County and Naples.
According to the Weather Channel, rain totals could vary between 3-12 inches. The heaviest rain is expected to fall Tuesday or Wednesday along the Florida peninsula.
Spaghetti models
Here are the latest spaghetti models:
