JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico Saturday with a Florida landfall expected this coming week.
Milton is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane before making landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida by Wednesday. Right now, the center of the cone targets the Tampa bay area, but the cone extends as far north as Perry and as far south as the Everglades. Remember, the cone shows anywhere the center of the hurricane could go.
For the First Coast, the primary concern will be a nor’easter forming ahead of and during the storm. This will bring several days of strong onshore winds, heightening the risks of dangerous surf, rip currents, and tidal flooding in low-lying areas during high tides.
Consistent heavy rainfall over the next several days could total 6 inches or more, particularly along the coast, increasing the potential for flooding throughout the week.
Wind gusts on the First Coast are forecast to reach 60 mph by Wednesday, with the most severe conditions expected in Central and Southwest Florida. Some power outages are possible.
