Meteorologists have predicted that a tropical cyclone forming in the Gulf of Mexico will rapidly intensify into a hurricane (likely named Hurricane Milton) and move toward Florida over the coming days.

The system, designated “Tropical Depression 14” as of Saturday, is anticipated to evolve into a “near major hurricane,” according to the National Hurricane Center’s morning report. The storm is projected to approach Florida’s Gulf coast with winds hitting 110 mph, potentially making landfall near Tampa by mid-week.

While all hurricanes pose risks with their severe winds, storms rated Category 3 and above are labeled major hurricanes, which can lead to catastrophic wind damage and loss of life. All hurricane categories can also bring perilous storm surges, flooding from rain, and tornadoes.

On Friday, meteorologists expressed particular concern about the possibility of heavy rainfall from this system.

Starting Sunday, the tropical depression is expected to unleash heavy rain on Florida. The system is currently about 210 miles north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, and will rapidly move east-northeast across the Gulf.

Forecasts indicate rapid strengthening as the storm passes through the central and eastern Gulf, with a hurricane possibly emerging by Monday or Tuesday. The western coast of Florida is expected to face life-threatening storm surges and winds late Tuesday or Wednesday, coming just weeks after Hurricane Helene caused devastation in the Southeast.

Residents in the Florida peninsula should ensure their hurricane preparedness plans are in place, the hurricane center advises, and keep an eye on updated forecasts and official advisories.

In related news, Hurricane Kirk is forecasted to produce swells impacting the U.S. East Coast this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Kirk’s Swells Impacting U.S. East Coast

Hurricane Kirk is currently positioned about 1000 miles northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands, and its swells are projected to move westward onto the U.S. East Coast, Atlantic Canada, and the Bahamas Saturday night into Sunday, extending as far as the Azores by Monday, according to the hurricane center. These swells are expected to create dangerous surf and rip current risks, the NHC warns.

Presently a Category 3 hurricane, Kirk has sustained winds around 120 mph with stronger gusts, and hurricane-force winds extend outward 60 miles from its center. Moving north-northwest at approximately 16 mph, the storm is predicted to remain classified as a hurricane for several days, but it will likely weaken as it shifts northeast on Sunday, per the NHC.

Hurricane Leslie Gains Strength

Currently a Category 1 hurricane, Leslie is located in the eastern tropical Atlantic roughly 785 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands, the hurricane center reported on Saturday. Leslie is not expected to impact any land areas and is anticipated to continue its path west-northwest at around 7 mph, transitioning to northwest movement by Saturday night through Tuesday.

Leslie has maximum sustained winds of nearly 80 mph with even stronger gusts and is projected to strengthen through Saturday, though a gradual weakening is anticipated starting Sunday. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 15 miles from the storm’s core.