Many cities and states are still in the process of cleaning up after the devastating hit of Hurricane Helene, but now, a new area is being closely tracked by the National Hurricane Center.

Cinderella Castle during Hurricane Helene

Tropical Depression 14 is being monitored by the NHC and many other local news sources. Here’s what you need to know.

UPDATE: Tropical Depression 14 has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Milton as off 1:25PM ET on October 5th.

1225 PM CDT Oct 5: Depression becomes Tropical Storm #Milton Stay up to date with the latest forecast at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/7faKFL0kkO

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 5, 2024

Over the past week, an area of interest has been getting monitored by the National Hurricane Center. The tropical disturbance in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico has had potential to form a tropical depression, tropical storm, and even a potential hurricane.

September 29th, 2024 outlook ©NHC

As this area has been closely monitored over the past week, the chances of development have changed.

New update from the NHC upping development chances of #Invest92 to 70% in 2 days time, 90% in 7 days time.

NHC saying more than likely a depression will form today or tomorrow.

This is looking more and more like we will have a tropical storm or hurricane impacting us midweek… pic.twitter.com/F9Pg5DYhrI

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) October 5, 2024

Now, it has officially become a tropical depression as of 11AM ET on October 5th per the National Hurricane Center. According to the National Hurricane Center, the depression will likely intensify quickly as it moves east-northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico. Regardless of how this area develops, the West Coast of Florida will likely see lots of rain and wind in the coming week.

10AM CDT Oct 5: Tropical Depression Fourteen forms in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Forecast to strengthen and bring the risk of Life-Threatening impacts to portions of the west coast of Florida next week. Make sure to check back with updates through the weekend and into next… pic.twitter.com/V8NAaIPohi

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 5, 2024

The NHC also forecasted an initial cone for Tropical Depression 14 as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. The depression is anticipated to reach Florida late Tuesday or early Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall as early as Sunday and Monday ahead of the tropical system.

©NHC

This system has a 70% chance of formation in the next 2 days and a 90% chance of formation in the next 7 days. It is possible that a tropical storm and, eventually, a hurricane could develop this coming week.

Tropical Depression #14 has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. This is the system that looks to threaten us mid-week.

Take a close look at this. We'll need to be watching things very very closely…

More of course on @WESH 2 News… pic.twitter.com/uWWOPMzvuM

— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) October 5, 2024

Unlike Helene, this system looks like it will hit the Orlando and Disney World area more head on. That means that if you’re planning on being in Disney World this week, we suggest having your rain gear ready and pay attention to any special notices from Disney pertaining to closures.

Cloudy Main Street, U.S.A.

During Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Debby, Disney World did not close its four main theme parks, however Typhoon Lagoon was closed during Helene. In any case, it’s important to watch the forecast and watch for any alerts from Disney. Disney has special procedures during tropical weather, so know that the Cast Members will ready to accommodate you if a hurricane does come through Disney World.

We’ll be watching for more updates, so keep following DFB!

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