NATIONAL NEWS

Florida is on alert as a new tropical depression forms in the Gulf, just days after Hurricane Helene

Oct 5, 2024, 10:04 AM

FILE - A home in Rubonia, Fla., is surrounded by floodwater after Tropical Storm Debby swept throug...

FILE - A home in Rubonia, Fla., is surrounded by floodwater after Tropical Storm Debby swept through the area, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Bradenton, Fla. (Tiffany Tompkins/The Bradenton Herald via AP)

(Tiffany Tompkins/The Bradenton Herald via AP)

FLORIDA (CNN) Less than 10 days after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, the state is now bracing for another potential storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Depression 14 formed in the western Gulf on Saturday morning and is expected to become Tropical Storm Milton in the next 24 hours, the National Hurricane Center said. The 13th named storm, which uses the letter M, is running ahead of pace – it doesn’t usually occur until October 25.

“The depression is forecast to quickly intensify while it moves eastward to northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico and be at or near major hurricane strength when it reaches the west coast of the Florida Peninsula mid week,” the hurricane center said.

There is very good agreement with weather forecast models this system will continue its trek east, making landfall on the west coast of the Florida Peninsula Wednesday.

Hurricane watches, as well as storm surge watches, will likely be issued for portions of the Florida coast on Sunday.

“Regardless of development, locally heavy rains could occur over portions of Mexico during the next day or two, and over much of Florida late this weekend through the middle of next week,” the NHC said.

The storm threat comes after Helene made landfall September 26 on Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 and created a 500-mile path of destruction with catastrophic flooding, damaging winds and power outages. Local authorities have reported more than 200 deaths across six states and fear that number could rise.

Helene was one of the largest storms the Gulf of Mexico has seen in the last century.

The latest storm forecast at this point calls for widespread totals of 4 to 6 inches of rain across almost the full length of the state, from Gainesville down through Key West, with isolated higher amounts up to 10 inches possible through Thursday. Tampa has already already seen more than 20 inches of rainfall above normal for the year. Cities like Melbourne, Jacksonville, Naples and Fort Myers all have more than a foot of surplus rainfall so far this year as well.

There is also an increasing risk of storm surge for the western Florida Peninsula as early as late Tuesday or Wednesday. Damaging winds, tornadoes and waterspouts will also be possible next week.

The hurricane center is warning people in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys, as well as the Bahamas to closely monitor this system this weekend and early next week for any impacts.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

President Donald Trump is pictured before boarding Air Force One at the Naval Air Station Joint Res...

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin.

3 hours ago

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean (33) scores a touchdown after intercepting a pass ...

Associated Press

Eagles deny the Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat with dominant defense in 40-22 rout

Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.

4 hours ago

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: (L-R) Ed Kelce, Ashley Avignone, Alana Haim, Ross Travis, Tay...

CNN

Taylor Swift channels Chiefs fans everywhere as Eagles etch big lead at halftime

Taylor Swift showed up to Super Bowl LIX in “Style.”

7 hours ago

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation d...

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview

President Donald Trump said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow.

9 hours ago

This photo provided by Booking.com shows Booking.com's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot....

DEE-ANN DURBIN, MAE ANDERSON and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS, AP Business Writers

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Super Bowl commercials this year are going for the laughs, feels and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps.

13 hours ago

Photo shows wreckage of Alaska plane crash....

Karina Tsui, CNN

All 10 victims of the fatal Alaska plane crash have been recovered, officials say

All 10 victims of the fatal Alaska plane crash off the coast of western Alaska have been recovered, authorities said Saturday.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Florida is on alert as a new tropical depression forms in the Gulf, just days after Hurricane Helene