Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf of Mexico, forecast to hit Florida as hurricane

A new storm, which became Tropical Storm Milton on Saturday, is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane before taking aim on Florida this week.

Milton is expected to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday morning and then make landfall along the Florida Peninsula on Wednesday.

The storm might make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane or stronger.

The National Hurricane Center is urging residents along the west coast of Florida to have a hurricane plan in place and to stay updated on the forecast as it evolves.

A separate system is already saturating Florida with 2 to 5 inches of rain this weekend, so by the time Milton reaches Florida, the flood threat will be increased substantially.

Five-day rain totals could reach 10 inches or more in Florida by the time Milton leaves the state.

Storm surge and wind damage could also be dangerous along Florida's west coast.