Tropical Storm Milton is forming just days after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Milton formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday morning, just hours after becoming a tropical depression.

This new storm formation comes less than ten days after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and is forecast strengthening into a hurricane, bringing life-threatening conditions to the state's west coast next week.

Tropical Storm Milton's maximum sustained winds are estimated at 40 mph with stronger gusts, the NHC said.

Hurricane and storm surge watches are expected to be required Sunday for certain regions of Florida, many of which were just hit hard by Hurricane Helene. The NHC said areas of heavy rainfall will hit parts of the state on Sunday and Monday, well before the tropical system arrives, increasing the risk of flooding.

Pinellas County provides sandbags to its residents. The National Weather Service classified the region as a possible threat for Tropical Storm Milton, although it is too early to tell how the storm will affect the county.