TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a hurricane on Sunday, and a major hurricane by midweek, according to the National Hurricane Center.
In a 5 a.m. update Sunday, the NHC said a NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft is out investigating the storm. It has current maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving east at 5 mph.
Tampa prepares for more severe weather this weekend
The storm is located roughly 845 miles west-southwest of Tampa.
Milton is forecasted to reach Category 3 major hurricane strength with 115 mph winds as it heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to weaken to a Category 2 before it makes landfall.
The risk for life-threatening impacts continues to increase for parts of the state’s west coast, as the storm-force winds are extending outward up to 35 miles from the center.
Hurricane and storm surge watches for Florida are likely to be made later on Sunday, the NHC said. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for Mexico’s Celestun to Cancun.
Max Defender 8’s Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli said heavy downpours will begin Sunday as the first wave of moisture reaches Florida’s coast.
TIMELINE: When a tropical threat could impact the Tampa Bay area
“Given that the ground is saturated after one of the rainiest wet seasons on record, any downpours will lead to flooding,” Berardelli said.
Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie
Out in the Eastern Atlantic, Hurricanes Kirk and Leslie continue to strengthen, heading north in the open waters.
Kirk continues to accelerate northeastward, bringing life-threatening rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. While Leslie is slightly stronger Sunday morning, the hurricane is expected to gradually weaken over the next few days.
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