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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

    Madoc Meredith Posted on

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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 develop into a major hurricane before possibly reaching the coast sometime Wednesday, 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.

    Gov. DeSanitis: Emotionally “it’s tough”

    Gov. Ron DeSantis warned at a briefing Sunday that evacuation orders could be issued as early as Monday. He said Milton’s impacts could be far-reaching for Florida residents far from the Gulf Coast.

    “A major hurricane is the most likely outcome,” he said. This is not a good path for the state of Florida.”

    But he added that residents still had a few days until the storm made landfall – and warned them to “take their foot off the gas” in efforts to clear debris from Hurricane Helene’s wrath. Flying debris could increase the likely damage from Milton’s strong winds, he said.

    “It’s not easy to go through this again,” DeSantis said. “From an emotional perspective, it’s tough. People are getting tired.”

    Disney World open – for now

    Walt Disney World Resort was open Sunday. Disney posted a hurricane update on its Disney World weather updates and information page: “To ensure your visit to Walt Disney World Resort is magical, we encourage you to prepare for the local climate and check the weather forecast for Central Florida. Check back for important weather updates.

    The theme park, which includes Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, has created a Disney World FAQ page on hurricanes. Regarding cancellations and rescheduling of Disney vacations, the theme park giant states the following: “If the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for the Orlando area – or for your place of residence – within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you can reschedule.” or cancel.” Read more here.

    − Jennifer Sangalang

    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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    Madoc Meredith
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