TAMPA, Fla. — As Florida and the Tampa Bay area continue to recover in Hurricane Helene's wake, we're keeping an eye on what's going on in the tropics.
Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf and is expected to quickly intensify and be at hurricane strength when it reaches the west coast of Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center's latest advisory.
Florida could see impacts beginning late Tuesday into Wednesday.
The storm is about 220 miles north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico with maximum sustained winds at 40 mph.
This weekend we are just concerned about the rain.
A wave of moisture ahead of a developing system will bring tropical downpours to the region beginning on Sunday. Although this won't be a washout of a day, times of heavy rain dumped over localized areas could lead to flash flooding.
With a front sinking in from the north, the areas prone to seeing most of the rain will exist along and south of I-4. Coastal areas should pay close attention to the forecast and have a way to receive alerts in case a flash flood warning were to be issued. Anticipated rainfall from Sunday night to Wednesday will range from 3" - 6" with higher totals possible in isolated spots.
By Wednesday as what is expected to be Hurricane Milton our impacts will also include storm surge and damaging winds. Keep checking back for updates.
Now, let's take a look at what's going on in the Atlantic.
Hurricane Kirk formed Tuesday, becoming the seventh hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Kirk will bring dangerous rip currents to US East Coast this weekend.
Hurricane Leslie is also expected to stay out in the open Atlantic.
Another tropical wave off the coast of Africa formed earlier Friday afternoon, but chances of development remain low.
Our 10 Tampa Bay Weather team will continue to monitor any development and keep you informed, prepared and connected through the rest of hurricane season.