Tropical Storm Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. According to the National Hurricane Center, it is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it heads toward Florida’s west coast.

By Sunday, forecasters warned of significant risks, including potential “life-threatening impacts” for parts of the coastline.

Milton is forecasted to intensify rapidly, becoming a hurricane by Sunday night and potentially reaching major hurricane status before landfall in Florida. A significant hurricane is classified as Category 3 or higher, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph. Current predictions suggest Milton could make landfall with winds up to 120 mph.

As of Sunday morning, Milton was located about 345 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and approximately 860 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. The storm’s maximum sustained winds had increased to 60 mph, up from 40 mph on Saturday night, and was moving north-northeast at five mph.

Milton is expected to move across the Gulf of Mexico and approach Florida’s western coast by midweek. This forecast follows Hurricane Helene, which recently caused widespread devastation across Florida and the Southeast, killing over 200 people. President Biden visited the impacted areas last week, highlighting the extensive recovery efforts still underway.

In preparation for Milton’s possible landfall, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for 35 counties in Florida. The state is continuing recovery operations from Hurricane Helene while simultaneously staging assets for search and rescue, power restoration, and roadway clearing ahead of Milton’s arrival.

The Mexican government also issued a tropical storm watch for parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, and Florida is likely to see hurricane and storm surge watches later on Sunday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has personnel in Florida assisting with Helene’s recovery, who will also help prepare for Milton.

Milton is expected to bring heavy rain, with potential rainfall totals 5 to 12 inches across the Florida Peninsula and the Keys through midweek. Flooding and storm surge risks are high, and residents are urged to have a hurricane plan in place and stay updated with local officials and forecast updates.