Tropical Storm Milton Expected To Hit US Coast As Hurricane

A newly named tropical storm is projected to make landfall on the US coast as a major hurricane in the same area as Helene, which has become the nation's deadliest hurricane since Katrina in 2005.

Here's the projected track and timing for newly named Tropical Storm Helene, with landfall expected Wednesday, Oct. 9, in Florida's Big Bend.
Photo Credit: *National Hurricane Center*

Joe Lombardi

10/05/2024 2:20 p.m.

Click here for a new, updated story - Potential 'Historic, Once-In-Lifetime' Storm: Milton Rapidly Strengthens To Become Hurricane

Just before 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, Tropical Depression 14 was upgraded to Tropical Storm Milton.

Located in the Gulf Coast, it's expected to strengthen and "bring the risk of life-threatening impacts to the west coast of Florida next week," according to the National Hurricane Center.

There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning late Tuesday, Oct. 8 or Wednesday, Oct. 9, the NHC said, adding, “Residents in these areas should ensure they have a hurricane plan in place.”

The current projected landfall is Wednesday on Florida's Big Bend whenthe storm is expected to become a major hurricane. (See the image above.) That's the same area where Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane late in the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26.

The death toll from Helene has risen to 200, with many still missing, and some towns virtually destroyed, with thousands still without drinkable water or power.

Milton, with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and higher gusts, is the 13th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Saturday, Nov. 30.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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