SARASOTA, Fla. − Tropical Storm Milton is picking up strength and speed as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico, threatening parts of Florida still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s damage.

The National Hurricane Center predicts that Milton will develop into a hurricane by late Sunday, with forecasts of “steady and rapid strengthening” in the coming days. It could escalate into a major hurricane before making landfall around Wednesday. A major hurricane is classified as at least a Category 3, with winds ranging from 111 to 129 mph that can inflict “devastating damage,” according to officials.

In response, Governor Ron DeSantis expanded the state of emergency to cover 16 additional counties, bringing the total to 51 out of Florida’s 67 counties.

“A major hurricane is the likely outcome,” DeSantis stated. “This is a concerning trajectory for Florida.”

Rain has already begun in some areas, with expected totals of 5 to 8 inches, and localized amounts reaching 12 inches in parts of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys by Wednesday night, warned hurricane expert Eric Blake. This excessive rain raises the risk for widespread minor to moderate river flooding, Blake added.

Despite these forecasts, there remains uncertainty regarding Milton’s potential strength and trajectory; it might strike Florida as a formidable hurricane or weaken before making landfall, according to the hurricane center’s updates.

“Regardless of exact details, confidence is growing that a powerful hurricane with life-threatening risks will impact parts of Florida’s west coast around midweek,” the hurricane center highlighted in its Sunday update.

Latest Updates:

∎ As of early Sunday, Milton was located 835 miles west-southwest of Tampa, with sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm was moving east at a speed of 6 mph but is anticipated to accelerate and shift toward the east-northeast in the next few days.

∎ President Joe Biden received updates on the storm on Sunday, including its potential effects on the Florida Gulf Coast and FEMA’s preparations for resource placement ahead of the storm.

Restaurants face challenges due to storm preparations

A well-known restaurant in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, Tide Tables, had to close temporarily after Hurricane Helene caused damage on September 26 and has now closed again to prepare for Milton. This waterfront venue on the Intracoastal Waterway previously faced issues when one of its docks was hit by a boat during Helene, destroying an entire tiki bar. After serving locals in a 55-and-older mobile home community on Thursday, Tide Tables briefly opened Friday but announced they would close again for safety on Saturday.

“We will be closing up again tomorrow in preparation for the upcoming hurricane,” Tide Tables stated on social media Saturday. “Please stay safe and we look forward to seeing you afterward! Cortez Strong.” Read more here.

− Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Gov. DeSantis discusses emotional toll of storms

Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned during a briefing on Sunday that evacuation orders could begin as early as Monday. He cautioned about a “significant storm surge” that might arrive soon, especially affecting the densely populated Tampa Bay region more drastically than the surge experienced during Hurricane Helene’s landfall in the Big Bend area.

DeSantis indicated that the effects of Milton could be severe, impacting residents far from the Gulf Coast. Nevertheless, he reassured locals that they have a few days before the storm arrives, urging them to remain focused on clearing debris from Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. He cautioned that loose debris could exacerbate the potential damage from Milton’s strong winds.

He added that he is recalling resources and personnel he had sent to assist North Carolina and Tennessee in recovering from extensive flooding caused by Helene, as they will be needed for local support.

“It’s hard to go through this again,” DeSantis reflected. “From an emotional standpoint, it’s challenging. People start to feel fatigued.”

Forecast for Milton could change

The Hurricane Center predicts that while Milton may develop into a hurricane, it is expected to be small in size. However, there remains uncertainty around its intensity and path. The storm could either make landfall in Florida as a strong hurricane or weaken based on various conditions.

“Milton is a compact cyclone, and such systems can rapidly change in strength,” forecasters at the hurricane center noted in their Sunday discussion. “While the environment appears favorable for approximately 60 hours, strong winds and dry air could lead to potential weakening.”

Disney World remains open before Milton’s impact

Walt Disney World Resort was operational on Sunday. The park issued a hurricane update on its weather page: “To ensure a magical visit, we recommend preparing for the local climate and checking the Central Florida weather forecast. Stay tuned for essential updates regarding weather conditions.”

The resort, encompassing Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios, has made a FAQ page regarding hurricanes. It states regarding cancellations and rescheduling: “If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area…”“`html

If you need to adjust your arrangements for your area or residence within a week of your planned arrival, you have the option to either reschedule or cancel.

− Jennifer Sangalang

Potential landfall of Milton near Tampa Bay

According to early reports from AccuWeather meteorologists on Sunday, they anticipate that Milton will become a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall close to Tampa Bay on Wednesday morning.

AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter expressed concern, stating, “This is an unusual and very worrying forecast path for a hurricane moving towards the Tampa Bay area. This storm could result in a life-threatening storm surge. Please ensure your loved ones in the region are prepared.”

On a positive note, the hurricane is expected to shift eastward over the Atlantic after crossing Florida, as per information from the hurricane center. Helene previously moved northward, causing destruction across many states including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Sarasota still recovering from Helene in preparation for Milton

Officials in Sarasota County have urged residents to begin securing debris left from Hurricane Helene. Debris collection vehicles are working “as safely and quickly as possible” to clear the remains from Helene in preparation for Milton.

“The approaching storm brings new challenges for our community and emergency responders,” stated county officials. “If you can, please secure any loose debris to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles in strong winds.”

Additionally, neighboring Manatee County has declared a new state of emergency for Tropical Storm Milton, alongside the ongoing one for Hurricane Helene. Water levels in Lake Manatee are being lowered to prepare for the anticipated heavy rainfall. “Please start preparing for possible storm surge and rain effects now,” officials cautioned.