Tropical Storm Milton Forecast to Strengthen, Impacting Florida’s West Coast

Tropical Storm Milton is expected to strengthen and bring potentially life-threatening impacts to portions of Florida‘s west coast next week. According to the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Milton is forecast to intensify as it moves towards the Gulf of Mexico.

As of the latest advisory, Milton was located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, with its center positioned near 22.7°N latitude and 95.5°W longitude. The storm is moving north-northeast at a speed of about 3 mph, with a minimum central pressure of 1006 mb and maximum sustained winds of approximately 40 mph.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 counties in anticipation of Milton’s impact. This declaration is part of the state’s preparations to mitigate the potential damage and ensure public safety.

In addition to the state’s emergency declaration, residents in the Bay area are being advised to prepare for the storm. Sandbags are being made available at various locations to help residents protect their homes from potential flooding.

The National Weather Service and other meteorological agencies are closely monitoring the storm’s progress, issuing advisories at six-hour intervals to keep the public informed about the storm’s location, intensity, and forecasted movement.