Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a major hurricane in the next few days as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service predict it will make landfall on the west coast of Florida, and remain a major hurricane as it makes its way east –– but where, exactly, it will hit is not yet certain.
In an 11 a.m. bulletin Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said “Milton is forecast to move a little south of due east today in westerly flow from a shortwave trough over the northern Gulf of Mexico. The storm should then turn northeastward and accelerate on Tuesday and Wednesday toward the Florida Peninsula.”
As a result, the storm’s forecasted path has moved southward, the agency said.
“Further southward adjustments could be required if the guidance trend continues.”
Local emergency officials have urged residents to take measures to safeguard their homes: take in patio furniture, put up hurricane shutters, and put together sandbags to place around the outside of your home.