NEWS: The National Hurricane Center Is Tracking New Tropical Threat in the Gulf of Mexico

Although we’ve already seen several hurricanes that have greatly affected the U.S. over the past few months, the hurricane season is far from over.

Main Street, U.S.A. before Hurricane Helene came through

The Atlantic hurricane season usually runs through November, and even earlier this year, forecasters were calling it a potentially “explosive” season. Hurricane Helene recently caused extensive damage, and people are still recovering from the storm. Now, meteorologists are watching a new system forming in the Gulf of Mexico that just became a tropical depression.

Update: As of 1:25PM ET on October 5th, Tropical Depression 14 is now considered Tropical Storm Milton according to the National Hurricane Center.

1225 PM CDT Oct 5: Depression becomes Tropical Storm #Milton Stay up to date with the latest forecast at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/7faKFL0kkO

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 5, 2024

Just one week ago, we reported on five storms that the National Hurricane Center was keeping an eye on, including one in the Gulf of Mexico. That storm has now become Tropical Depression 14. The current forecast has Tropical Depression 14 strengthening, which could bring “life-threatening impacts” to parts of Florida’s west coast.

If it strengthens, this tropical depression could become Hurricane Milton. According to WESH, the system is expected to move faster across the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico, where it will continue to strengthen. Those who are on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys, and northwestern Bahamas are being instructed to monitor the progress of the system.

The system is expected to reach the west coast of Florida beginning late Tuesday or Wednesday. Those who live in the area are being encouraged to have a hurricane plan in place.

The system will also bring a lot of rain to the area, which also brings the risk of flooding. This could also bring potential closures to Disney World, so you’ll want to be weather aware if you plan on visiting the parks this week.

We’ll keep an eye out for more news regarding this system and keep you updated, so check back with AllEars again soon for more.