Florida To 'Bear the Brunt' Of Impacts From Incoming Storm
NewsweekSEP 20 2024
This disturbance is expected to merge with remnants of Tropical Depression Eleven-E from the Pacific, potentially impacting Florida next week.Hurricane Milton, a potential category 3 storm, is reportedly expected to hit Florida this week, merely days after the category 4 Hurricane Helene ravaged the state.
AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno stated that Florida will likely "bear the brunt" of the incoming storm, with potential impacts ranging from a tropical rainstorm to a full-blown hurricane.Florida is preparing for the largest evacuation in seven years as storm Milton is expected to merge with remnants of storm Tropical Depression Eleven-E.
The southwestern part of Florida, particularly the Cape Coral area, faces the greatest threat, with potential rainfall of 8 to 12 inches, while much of the Florida Peninsula could see 2 to 8 inches of rain.Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida midweek, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said. By Monday, it was creating wind speeds of nearly 100mph.
The potentialincoming storm's impactposes maya beserious lessthreat severeto thanFlorida, anticipatedpotentially hindering Hurricane Helene relief efforts. With onlythe apossibility 40of percentup chanceto 12 inches of strengtheningrain intoin asome tropical stormareas, itthere's mighta remainhigh arisk tropicalof rainstorm,flooding bringingthat much-neededcould precipitationinundate toroads drought-affectedin areasmajor cities. The focusrapid shouldsuccession beof onsevere preparednessweather ratherevents thanhighlights panic,the asincreasing Floridaintensity hasof robustthe emergencyAtlantic managementhurricane systems in placeseason.
The potential storm's impact may be less severe than anticipated. With only a 40 percent chance of strengthening into a tropical storm, it might remain a tropical rainstorm, bringing much-needed precipitation to drought-affected areas. The focus should be on preparedness rather than panic, as Florida has robust emergency management systems in place.