Hurricane Milton Intensifies to Category 4: Evacuations Ordered for Florida

 

This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration taken at 11:36pm ET on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, shows Hurricane Milton. (NOAA via AP)

As of Monday morning, Hurricane Milton has intensified to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds reaching 150 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). With Florida still reeling from Hurricane Helene, millions are now under evacuation orders as the storm threatens to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday.

Hurricane Milton’s Current Location and Path

As of Monday morning:

• Location: Approximately 150 miles west of Progreso, Mexico, and 735 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida.
• Winds: Sustained winds of up to 150 mph.
• Movement: East-southeast at 8 mph.

The NHC is forecasting a life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds along the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Tuesday night or early Wednesday. Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and prepare for heavy rain, flooding, and potential power outages.

Evacuations and Warnings

With up to 7 million people in Florida advised to evacuate, emergency services are preparing for potentially widespread disruptions. Rainfall estimates for portions of the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys are between 5 to 10 inches, with some areas expected to receive up to 15 inches. This could lead to:

• Flash flooding in urban areas
• River flooding
• Possible storm surge flooding along coastal areas

The Mexican government has issued a hurricane watch for the coast from Celestún to Cabo Catoche and a tropical storm warning from Celestún to Cancun. The NHC also advises those in the northern Yucatan Peninsula to expect rainfall between 2 to 4 inches.

More about Tropical Storm Milton Forecasted to Hit Florida as Major Hurricane

Federal and State Emergency Response

On Sunday, the White House confirmed that President Biden had been briefed on Hurricane Milton, its expected impact on the Florida Gulf Coast, and FEMA’s ongoing preparations. However, funding remains a concern, as Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas indicated that FEMA's funds may be insufficient to address the demands of this active hurricane season. President Biden has suggested that Congress may need to pass a supplemental spending bill to support recovery efforts in the coming months.

Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Aftermath

Hurricane Milton comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm just over a week ago, leaving a significant path of destruction. Helene’s impact:

• Fatalities: At least 20 deaths in Florida
• Power Outages: Over 350,000 utility customers are still without power
• Infrastructure: Extensive damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure across the Southeast

The recovery from Helene has strained Florida’s emergency services and infrastructure, which now face the prospect of another powerful storm hitting within days.

An Unusually Active Hurricane Season

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season has been exceptionally active. NOAA reports that a “typical” season includes about 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. With Milton becoming the 13th named storm this season, hurricane season is running ahead of the usual schedule. The season peaks between August and October, with heightened activity anticipated throughout October.

What’s Next for Florida?

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida residents are urged to stay informed, follow local evacuation orders, and prepare for severe weather. With Hurricane Milton expected to bring damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and significant rainfall, communities across Florida’s Gulf Coast are bracing for impact.

Stay tuned for updates as the storm progresses and follow National Hurricane Center alerts for the latest information on Hurricane Milton's path and potential impact.