Tropical Storm Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 1 hurricane aimed at Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene. The storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday afternoon with sustained winds of 80 mph drawing fuel from the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters predict Milton will reach major hurricane status within a day or two, potentially becoming a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of at least 111 mph. Watches and warnings for rain, wind, and storm surges are in effect for the west coast of Florida. Only two storms from the Gulf’s Bay of Campeche have struck Florida since 1850, with Milton on track to potentially be the third. Helene made landfall on Sept. 26, causing a dozen deaths and significant damage in the Tampa Bay area. Twenty-five Helene-related fatalities have been reported statewide, while at least 234 people across six states have died from the storm. The rapid intensification of Milton is a cause for concern, with preparations being made for the potential impact of a major hurricane on Florida’s west coast.
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