Florida is threatened with another terrible storm
Heavy rains are expected in the region from tonight to Monday, and on Tuesday and Wednesday night there will be more heavy rains and strong winds.
A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Florida after forecasters warned the tropical storm could intensify and hit the already devastated Gulf Coast. Heavy rains are expected in the region from tonight to Monday, and on Tuesday and Wednesday night there will be more heavy rains and strong winds. The rain could bring a risk of flash flooding and minor to moderate river flooding for parts of the west coast, the center said.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Storm Milton - currently off the coast of Mexico - is "expected to strengthen rapidly" and could pose a "life-threatening threat" to parts of the west coast of Florida, the BBC reported.
It comes just 10 days after Hurricane Helen – the deadliest landfall storm since Katrina in 2005 – slammed into the Southeast, killing at least 225 people and leaving hundreds more missing.
In Florida, where Helen left at least 14 dead, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a 35-county emergency warning and said preparations were underway to restore power and clear roads ahead of Milton's arrival.
"Milton is moving slowly," the Hurricane Center said, adding that the storm is expected to strengthen quickly.
"There is increasing confidence that a powerful, life-threatening hurricane will hit parts of the west coast of Florida around the middle of this week," the warning said.
Hundreds of roads remain closed, hampering efforts to send aid to hard-hit communities.
Helen is a Category 4 hurricane that damaged structures, caused flooding and knocked out power to millions of homes.