A state of emergency was declared in parts of Florida
as the hurricane headed toward the already devastated Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center confirmed that Milton, currently off the coast of Mexico, could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday and pose a "life-threatening danger" to parts of Florida's west coast. The incident came just 10 days after Storm Helen, the most devastating storm on land since Katrina in 2005, slammed the Southeast, killing at least 225 people and leaving hundreds missing. In Florida, where Helen claimed at least 14 lives, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued emergency warnings for 35 counties and said preparations were underway to restore power and clear roads ahead of Milton's arrival. Milton's maximum sustained winds were gusting at 80 mph (130 kph) on Sunday. "There is increasing confidence that a powerful hurricane with life-threatening potential could impact portions of Florida's west coast mid-week," the hurricane center said. Heavy rainfall was expected across the region Sunday through Monday, with more rain and strong winds expected to increase overnight Tuesday through Wednesday. Rainfall totals could range from 5 to 8 inches (127 to 203 millimeters) across the Florida Peninsula and Keys, reaching up to 12 inches (304 millimeters) in some areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding and causing light to moderate river flooding in parts of the west coast.
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