Tropical Storm Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 1 hurricane heading towards Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the state. The storm is expected to make landfall in Hillsborough or Pinellas counties on Wednesday afternoon. Milton strengthened to a hurricane with sustained winds of 80 mph, drawing fuel from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters predict it could reach major hurricane status, potentially becoming a Category 3 storm with winds reaching at least 111 mph. Residents are preparing for heavy rain, wind, and storm surges, with watches and warnings in effect for the west coast of Florida. The storm could bring 5 to 8 inches of rain, with up to a foot in some areas, leading to the possibility of flash flooding and river flooding. The storm may also impact areas in the northern Yucatán Peninsula and western Cuba. Since 1850, only two storms from the Gulf’s Bay of Campeche have hit Florida, and if Milton follows its current path, it would be the third. Helene hit Florida’s Big Bend coast on September 26, causing a dozen deaths in Pinellas County and widespread damage. Overall, at least 234 people across six states have died as a result of Helene. Residents are urged to closely monitor Milton and prepare for potential impacts as it approaches the Florida Peninsula and the Bahamas.
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