Storm Milton forms in Gulf of Mexico threatening life in Florida

Tropical Storm Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico on October 5, at 1:25 p.m. ET, and is forecast to bring "life-threatening impacts" to Florida’s Gulf Coast next week, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The storm, last located 220 miles north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, with sustained winds of 40 mph, is predicted to strengthen into a hurricane as it crosses the Gulf. Landfall is expected on the Florida Peninsula on October 9, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning late Tuesday or Wednesday,” warned the NHC, urging residents in the potential impact zone to have a hurricane plan in place and to monitor official updates.

As of 2 p.m. on October 5, no coastal watches or warnings had been issued, but hurricane and storm surge watches are likely to be implemented for parts of Florida by October 6. Heavy rainfall will begin impacting the Florida coast on October 6-7, preceding Milton’s arrival, which is expected to bring additional heavy rain and the threat of flash flooding on October 8.

Milton's path remains uncertain, but current projections place the Tampa Bay area—including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Sarasota—within the "cone of uncertainty." The storm may reach Category 3 strength, with maximum sustained winds of around 110 mph when it approaches land.

If Milton makes landfall in the Tampa Bay area, it would be the first storm to do so in more than 100 years, following the last major strike in 1921. This comes as residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast are still recovering from the record-breaking storm surge brought by Hurricane Helene on September 26.

Milton is expected to deliver widespread impacts with tropical storm-force winds extending more than 100 miles from the storm's centre in all directions.

By Khagan Isayev