Hurricane Milton: Florida braces for second major storm in a fortnight
James ChappleFlorida is bracing for the arrival of a second major storm in less than a fortnight after Tropical Storm Milton strengthened into a hurricane over the weekend.
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall along Florida’s western Gulf coast later this week, just two weeks after the state was battered by Hurricane Helene – the deadliest for nearly 20 years.
It is the latest in a quick succession of Atlantic storm following Hurricane Kirk, the aftermath of which is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain to the UK this week, and Hurricane Leslie.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an "above-normal Atlantic hurricane season" this year, which could bring 17 to 25 named storms, four to seven of which are likely to become category three, four or five storms bringing 110mph-plus winds.
Milton intensified into a category one hurricane on Sunday (6 October) and is expected to bring "life-threatening" conditions to parts of Florida’s west coast, which are only just coming to terms with the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene – the deadliest since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The US government has indicated the clean-up operation from Helene alone could take years, with the damage extending from Florida into North Carolina and other states. Some 225 are now known to have died, 14 in Florida, with hundreds still missing.
With sustained wind speeds already pushing 100mph, Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis has issued emergency warnings for 35 counties with high winds and heavy rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday (8-9 October).
Between five to eight inches of rain could fall across the Florida Peninsula and Keys, rising to 12 inches in some areas, bringing risks of flash flooding and river flooding.
"Milton is rapidly intensifying," said Visit Florida. "Satellite images indicate very deep convection in the eyewall and hints of an eye starting to appear.
"Regardless of the details, there is increasing confidence that a powerful hurricane with life-threatening hazards will be affecting portions of the Florida west coast around the middle of this week. Residents there should closely monitor this system and listen to local officials."
Visit Florida warned residents and visitors to prepare for heavy rainfall on Monday "we ahead of Milton", bringing "considerable flash, urban and areal flooding, along with the potential for moderate to major river flooding".
"Tropical storm conditions are expected with hurricane conditions possible beginning Monday across portions of the northern Yucatan peninsula of Mexico where a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch are in effect."
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