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TAMPA, Fla. – The National Hurricane Center has reported the development of Tropical Storm Milton in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico as of Saturday morning.
According to Valerie Mills, a meteorologist with FOX 13 News, the storm has exhibited significant organization over the past day. Anticipated hurricane and storm surge watches will likely be issued for parts of Florida by Sunday.
“Currently, our focus is on the west coast of Florida,” Mills said. Initial forecasts suggested potential impacts south of Tampa Bay, particularly along the southwest coast.
The National Hurricane Center indicates that the storm is expected to strengthen, posing life-threatening risks to the west coast of Florida in the upcoming week.
Forecast models present a range of potential impacts from Florida’s Big Bend area to just south of the state, with most predictions tracking Milton toward Tampa Bay.
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Hurricane Hunters are scheduled to begin reconnaissance missions into Tropical Storm Milton, which will provide further insights and possibly lead to updates on the storm’s trajectory and intensity.
Heavy rainfall is expected to begin affecting Florida on Sunday as Milton approaches. Landfall is projected for Wednesday, after which the storm will traverse the state and likely move into the Atlantic Ocean.
The precise path of the storm will greatly influence surge impacts, wind strength, and rainfall distribution. Mills forecasts significant rainfall, with several inches expected primarily between Monday and Wednesday.
Current model predictions are inconsistent regarding the storm’s strength, making it premature to definitively state the wind speeds that could accompany Milton. Some models suggest that it might reach Category 2 hurricane intensity.
The most severe storm surge is anticipated south of Milton’s center, while the heaviest rainfall is expected to occur to the north.
The most impactful weather conditions are likely to manifest on Wednesday, with expectations that the storm will have moved through the Tampa Bay Area by Wednesday night.
In addition to Milton, there is also a tropical wave located off the coast of Africa, although it currently has a low probability of developing in the coming week. Meanwhile, both Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie are predicted to veer off to the north and east, posing no threat to land.
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