Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it approaches Florida's west coast by midweek. The National Hurricane Center forecasts suggest Milton could become a Category 2 or even a major hurricane, with life-threatening storm surges, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, particularly impacting areas such as Tampa-St. Petersburg and possibly as far south as the Florida Keys. Emergency officials urge residents in the path of the storm to prepare, as the system may cause up to 12 inches of rain and significant flooding in areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene. The storm is currently moving slowly with sustained winds of 40 mph and is likely to track near Tampa, bringing severe weather conditions to the region. Watches and warnings are expected to be issued for parts of Florida as the storm progresses, with impacts likely extending to the Yucatan Peninsula, the northwestern Bahamas, and Florida's east coast. Residents are advised to closely monitor forecasts due to the uncertainty in the storm's intensity and trajectory.