By Raul Castillo
06 Oct 2024, 15:29 PM EDT
Tropical Storm Milton already became a Category 1 hurricane this Sunday, and is expected to make landfall in Florida next Wednesday in a potentially destructive manner.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States reported that the winds of the now Hurricane Milton intensified to 129 kilometers per hour, according to the EFE news agency.
NHC experts have warned that Milton could become a Category 3 or higher hurricane by Wednesday, which would put it in the category of major hurricanes capable of causing significant destruction.
As it moves east-northeast, winds are forecast to increase rapidly, as the storm moves at a speed of 9 kilometers per hour through the Gulf of Mexico.
Although there is uncertainty regarding Milton’s exact track and intensity, forecasters warn of an increasing risk of potentially devastating storm surge and winds along Florida’s west coast.
These extreme conditions could begin to impact the peninsula as early as Tuesday night or early Wednesday.
Hurricane Milton will leave heavy rains
Milton is also expected to bring heavy rain to the region. According to the forecast, some areas of Florida could receive up to 380 millimeters of rain between today and Wednesday night, increasing the risk of flash flooding and rising rivers.
“Residents of the Florida Peninsula should follow any advice given by local officials and check back for forecast updates,” the NHC stressed in its most recent report.
Florida authorities are already preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton. On Saturday, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 35 counties, seeking to accelerate preparations.
The governor assured that state resources are being mobilized to guarantee a rapid response in search and rescue, the restoration of electrical services and the cleaning of roads.
Milton’s imminent arrival comes just days after Category 4 Hurricane Helene devastated parts of northwest Florida and other states in the southeastern United States.
With information from EFE.
Keep reading:
• Kirk strengthens and becomes a category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic
• Hurricane Helene: more than 200 dead and hundreds missing