### New Tropical Storm Milton Set to Threaten Florida After Hurricane Helene Devastation

Less than two weeks have passed since Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeast, and another storm is already on the horizon, aiming for Florida. This new threat, named Milton, has recently formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to pose significant dangers to the state next week.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Tropical Storm Milton is predicted to escalate into a hurricane by mid-week as it moves toward Florida’s west coast. The NWS forecasts potentially life-threatening conditions starting late Tuesday or Wednesday, with the likelihood of storm surge, powerful winds, and flash flooding. Heavy rainfall is anticipated to impact parts of the state as soon as Sunday or Monday, exacerbating current flood risks.

Some areas in South Florida began experiencing significant rainfall on Saturday, with expectations of up to 7 inches of rain through Thursday. The NWS has announced plans to issue a flood watch for portions of Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties starting Sunday morning, to last through Thursday morning.

The new storm arrives as communities across six states—Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia—are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Helene has claimed more than 200 lives, with at least 19 fatalities reported in Florida alone. It is considered one of the deadliest hurricanes since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness as Florida braces for Milton’s impact.