With Tropical Storm Milton forming in the Gulf of Mexico and threatening Florida, many are looking for reliable ways to track the storm’s progress. Milton poses a potential hurricane threat to the Florida Peninsula, just a week after Tropical Storm Helene swept through the area.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a warning about the increasing risk of dangerous storm surges and high winds along Florida’s west coast, likely starting late Tuesday or Wednesday. Hurricane and storm surge watches are expected to be in effect for portions of Florida, and tropical storm watches have already been issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Thunderstorm activity south of Brownsville is becoming more organized, moving toward Florida. Current forecasts suggest that Milton could strengthen into a hurricane over the weekend and potentially reach Category 3 or higher as it approaches Florida.
Some areas that experienced storm surges from Helene could see similar effects, particularly from Pinellas County to Naples. The heaviest rainfall is predicted to start arriving in Florida by Tuesday or Wednesday, with much of the state expected to see 3 inches of rain or more. In some spots, rainfall could reach nearly a foot, raising concerns about flooding.
Finding the Most Accurate Hurricane Tracker
When it comes to tracking hurricanes, the GFDL Hurricane Prediction System has been one of the most reliable tools since its introduction in 1995. It is widely used by the National Hurricane Center for its accuracy in predicting storm paths and intensities.
For up-to-date hurricane tracking, the following resources are trusted:
- NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC): The primary source for accurate hurricane forecasts and updates.
- NOAA GOES Satellite Imagery: Real-time satellite visuals to track storm development.
- NOAA’s nowCOAST: A mapping service offering current weather and storm data.
- Marine Weather Portal: Offers marine weather forecasts and alerts, especially for coastal regions.
- WeatherFlow StormTrack: Provides live data on wind speeds, storm paths, and other critical metrics.
- Real-Time Florida Coastal Guidance: Specific to Florida, this source provides detailed coastal impact information.
These platforms provide crucial updates and guidance for those in affected regions and are among the best tools to keep track of storms like Tropical Storm Milton as they develop and move.