MIAMI (AP) – Forecasters say Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Hurricane Center said early Sunday that Milton was about 355 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and about 845 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida.
The storm could strengthen into a hurricane and bring the risk of life-threatening impacts to portions of the western coast of Florida.
Hurricane and storm surge watches are likely to be issued Sunday.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 35 counties ahead of the storm’s potential landfall.
Many counties are still recovering from Hurricane Helene and DeSantis has asked Florida state agencies to supplement communities as they expedite debris removal.
