The governor of the US state of Florida declared a state of emergency as forecasters warned that the state could be hit by another major storm next week.
Tropical Storm Milton, currently raging in the western Gulf of Mexico, "is expected to strengthen to a major hurricane as it moves toward Florida in the middle of next week," the National Weather Service said on the X social network.
Depending on its track, Milton could bring further devastation to areas of Florida's west coast still recovering from Hurricane Helene's 145 mph (225 kph) winds.
Helene moved inland through Georgia, South and North Carolina, causing flooding and killing at least 220 people.
In Florida, where Helene left at least 14 dead, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a new state of emergency in 35 counties ahead of Milton's arrival.
"We will continue to have state assets available to prepare for effective search and rescue, power restoration and roadway clearance," he said.
"Steady to rapid strengthening is expected over the next several days," the National Hurricane Center warned. | BGNES, AFP
