Hurricane Milton Update: Category 5 Storm Approaches Florida's Gulf Coast

 

Hurricane Milton continues its approach toward Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph. As of Monday at 11 p.m., the storm was located at 21.8N and 89.9W, moving east at 9 mph in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Hurricane Milton could become one of the most destructive storms to hit the west-central Florida area in years.

Current Path and Strength of Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton’s central pressure has dropped to near-record lows, indicating its exceptional strength. However, radar data shows early signs of an eyewall replacement cycle, which may lead to gradual weakening on Tuesday but an expansion in the storm’s size. By Wednesday, it is expected to encounter stronger shear and drier air, which could further reduce its intensity but still leave it as a large and powerful hurricane at landfall on Florida’s west coast.

Projected Impacts Across Florida

The hurricane is expected to bring hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and life-threatening storm surge far inland. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 51 counties, including those in the Tampa Bay Area.

Warnings and Advisories in Effect:

• Hurricane Warning: From Bonita Beach northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including the Tampa Bay area. Hurricane conditions are expected within the next 36 hours.
• Storm Surge Warning: From Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay. Areas should be prepared for dangerous inundation over the next 36 hours.
• Flood Watch: In effect for Central and South Florida, with flash flooding and river flooding expected.

Understanding Watches and Warnings

Hurricane Warning: Indicates that hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area within the next 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch: Implies possible hurricane conditions within the watch area over the next 48 hours.
Storm Surge Warning: Signals a life-threatening inundation of rising waters within the next 36 hours.
Storm Surge Watch: Suggests that life-threatening surge conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.

More News About Hurricane Milton

Expected Timing and Areas of Impact

While some rain is expected across Florida’s Gulf Coast Monday and Tuesday, Milton’s most intense rainfall is likely to arrive on Wednesday, continuing through Thursday. Forecasters expect heaviest rainfall from the I-4 corridor southward, with some areas possibly receiving up to a foot of rain.

FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg notes that Milton’s exact landfall will determine which regions experience the storm’s strongest winds and highest storm surge. The Tampa Bay area, stretching south to Fort Myers Beach, could see storm surges between 8 to 12 feet if the storm makes landfall to the south.

Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto warns that even if Milton weakens slightly before landfall, it will still produce devastating storm surges along Florida's west coast.

Preparation Tips for Those in Affected Areas

• Evacuate if local officials advise you to do so.
• Stock up on emergency supplies, including water, non-perishable food, and medications.
• Secure outdoor items to prevent damage or injury from high winds.
• Monitor local news and official updates for the latest information on Milton’s path and intensity.

With Hurricane Milton predicted to bring severe conditions to much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, residents should take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant. Continue following updates from the National Hurricane Center and local news outlets as the storm approaches.