Tropical Storm Milton Set to Strengthen Before Hitting Florida as Major Hurricane
Tropical Storm Milton is forecasted to strengthen into a major hurricane before making landfall on the Florida Peninsula next week. The storm currently boasts sustained winds of 65 mph and is projected to impact Florida’s west coast. Heavy rainfall and life-threatening storm surges are anticipated, with warnings expected to be issued soon. Concurrently, Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie are also active, impacting regions with hazardous surf and expected weakening.
Tropical Storm Milton is poised for significant strengthening as it approaches the Florida Peninsula, with expectations of becoming a major hurricane. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, the storm is anticipated to strengthen considerably before making landfall sometime next week. NHC hurricane specialist Eric Blake noted, “Given the track over the very deep warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and little shear for the next couple of days, rapid intensification is explicitly forecast.” As of 10 a.m., Milton was located approximately 310 miles west-northwest of Progresso, Mexico, boasting sustained winds of 65 mph and moving east-southeast towards Florida. The forecast suggests that the storm could impact the west coast of Florida as a major hurricane on Wednesday. Forecasters caution that while it is presently uncertain to determine the extent and specific areas affected by Milton, there is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surges and damaging winds beginning as early as Tuesday night or Wednesday. Initial storm surge and hurricane watches may be issued in the affected regions starting late Sunday. Heavy rainfall could affect parts of Florida before Milton makes landfall, particularly on Sunday and Monday, with anticipated significant rainfall directly associated with the storm from Tuesday through Wednesday night, raising concerns about flash, urban, and river flooding. Tropical storm conditions are also expected on Monday in northern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, where a tropical storm warning is currently in effect. In addition to troubled weather conditions ahead of Milton, it is important to highlight that it is not expected to impact Louisiana according to the National Weather Service in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk continues to generate large swells, contributing to hazardous surf and rip currents across numerous regions, including the U.S. East Coast, Canada, and the Leeward Islands. Located over 1,100 miles west of the Azores, Kirk is projecting sustained winds of 100 mph and is moving northeast at 25 mph. The NHC forecast indicates that Kirk is likely to weaken in the coming days. Additionally, Hurricane Leslie is active approximately 910 miles west of Cabo Verde with sustained winds of 90 mph and a northwest trajectory at 9 mph. Leslie is expected to gradually diminish in intensity without making landfall, primarily due to dry air and shear in its path.
The National Hurricane Center closely monitors tropical systems, providing forecasts and updates to gauge their potential impact on coastal regions. Tropical Storm Milton is currently in the Gulf of Mexico, where conditions are favorable for rapid intensification into a major hurricane. The NHC highlights historical trends and meteorological data from prior storms to predict behavior, while simultaneously issuing warnings for likely areas of impact. Understanding the nature of these storms, including factors such as warm water temperatures and atmospheric conditions, is crucial for anticipating their development and potential hazards. Additionally, other tropical systems such as Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie highlight the varied impacts these storms can have across different geographical regions.
In summary, Tropical Storm Milton is on a trajectory to intensify significantly, with expectations to impact Florida as a major hurricane later this week. While heavy rainfall and hazardous conditions are already affecting parts of Mexico and could soon reach Florida, it is essential for residents in the affected regions to stay informed and prepared for potential flooding and high winds. Concurrently, Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie offer further reminders of the ongoing hurricane season, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness for those in areas threatened by these storms.
Original Source: www.nola.com
