Sunday, October 6, 2024 As America struggles to recover from the devastating destruction of Hurricane Helene , another storm is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Storm Milton has formed, and its potential for disaster is already raising alarms across Florida and the travel industry, which is still reeling from the aftershocks of Helene. FEMA recently released a stark warning, stating that Milton could bring significant storm surges and heavy rainfall to areas already battered by Helene and Debby.
The storm, currently positioned 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa, is expected to move toward Florida’s west coast by midweek, according to projections from the National Hurricane Center . With maximum sustained winds currently at 45 mph , Milton is forecasted to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane , potentially reaching Category 3 status with winds exceeding 111 mph . This storm’s trajectory and strength could deal yet another devastating blow to Florida’s travel and tourism sector.
In preparation for the storm, FEMA has already deployed hundreds of staff to Florida. These teams are assisting with the ongoing recovery from Helene while gearing up for the potential landfall of Milton. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 counties in anticipation of Milton’s arrival, emphasizing that the state is “staging assets to prepare for efficient search and rescue, power restoration , and roadway clearing .
” This preparation comes at a cr.
