MIAMI — Tropical Storm Milton formed in the western Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and it is now forecasted to become a major hurricane as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, said CBS News Miami’s NEXT Weather Team.
It could potentially undergo a period of rapid intensification before it makes landfall as a Category 3 hurricane across the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.
CBS News Miami
On Saturday evening, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 35 counties ahead of Milton’s landfall.
How will Milton impact South Florida?
CBS News Miami’s NEXT Weather Team said the track has shifted a little north on Saturday evening toward Tampa and Fort Myers, but it still includes some portions of South Florida.
CBS News Miami
South Florida will receive a “one-two punch” with this system, beginning Sunday with a weaker and non-tropical area of low pressure that will swing through the area then and into Monday. This will bring South Florida’s first round of heavy rain.
The second “punch” will be Milton, forecasted to arrive Wednesday afternoon, bringing more heavy rain and windy weather.
CBS News Miami
For now, South Florida’s main threat continues to be the risk of rainwater flooding, with 4″-7″+ looking likely across the area.
CBS News Miami
Saturday will be a precursor to this stretch of very wet weather, with ongoing rounds of showers and storms set to move through the area. This will prime Florida soils for what will likely be an increasing flood risk set to continue into the week ahead.
Remember: if you see standing water on the roadways, turn around because it only takes a foot of water to float most vehicles.
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