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Milton expected to become a hurricane and devastate Florida: updates

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Milton expected to become a hurricane and devastate Florida: updates

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SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Tropical Storm Milton grew stronger Sunday as it rolled through the Gulf of Mexico, endangering areas of the Florida Peninsula that were still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Milton was expected to strengthen into a hurricane late Sunday, with “steady and rapid strengthening” forecast over the next few days, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm could become a major hurricane before reaching the coast, and Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for about half of Florida's 67 counties.

“The risk of life-threatening impacts is increasing for portions of Florida's west coast,” National Hurricane Center specialist Eric Blake warned in an update on the storm Sunday.

The rain, which has already begun here, could reach totals of 5 to 8 inches, locally up to 12 inches, in parts of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys by Wednesday evening, Blake said. However, there remains uncertainty about the intensity and path of Tropical Storm Milton, and the storm could hit Florida as a major hurricane or weaken, the hurricane center said.

“Regardless of the details, there is increasing confidence that a strong hurricane with life-threatening hazards will impact portions of Florida's west coast around the middle of this week,” the hurricane center said. “Residents there should monitor this system closely and listen to local authorities.”

Developments:

∎ Milton was 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa early Sunday with sustained winds of 60 mph.

∎ The storm was moving east at 5 miles per hour but was expected to gain speed and turn toward the east-northeast in the coming days.

Tropical Storm Milton tracker: A major hurricane is expected to devastate Florida

Landing near Tampa Bay is possible

Accuweather forecasters said in their early Sunday reports that Milton will strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall near Tampa Bay on Wednesday morning.

“This is an unusual and extremely concerning forecast for a hurricane approaching the Tampa Bay area,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter. “This hurricane could trigger a life-threatening storm surge. Please ensure your family and friends in this area are prepared.”

The good news is that after crossing Florida, Milton should turn east across the Atlantic, the hurricane center said. Helene moved north, creating a path of death and destruction for hundreds of miles through Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The Sarasota area is still cleaning up from Helene

Sarasota County authorities advised residents to begin securing debris from Hurricane Helene. Garbage collection trucks worked “as safely and quickly as possible” to remove debris from Helene outside Milton.

“The impending storm presents additional challenges to our community and first responders,” county officials said in a statement. “If possible, please secure debris to prevent loose debris from becoming airborne in high winds and posing an additional hazard.”

Neighboring Manatee County declared another state of emergency because of Tropical Storm Milton, in addition to the state of emergency still in effect because of Hurricane Helene. Water levels in Lake Manatee have been lowered in advance of the heavy rains. “Prepare now for possible storm surge and rain impacts,” county officials advised.

Contributor: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK − Florida

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