Official declarations from the Florida Governor's office

Tropical Storm Milton Forms, Expected to Hit Florida Wednesday as Major Hurricane with 110 mph Winds

Oct 5, 2024, 05:00 PM

A tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico has strengthened into Tropical Storm Milton, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane, potentially reaching Category 3 or higher, with winds of 110 mph before making landfall on the west coast of Florida by midweek. Forecasters predict that Milton could bring life-threatening impacts, including severe flooding and storm surges, particularly to the Tampa Bay area. Residents in Florida are advised to prepare for significant weather disruptions, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to affect the entire state. The system, initially designated as invest 92L, is now on track for a Wednesday landfall.