Hurricane Milton, now a formidable Category 5 storm, is poised to strike the west-central coast of Florida, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency preparations. With maximum sustained winds reaching 160 mph, Milton is set to make landfall Wednesday night, bringing with it life-threatening storm surges and heavy rainfall.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a series of warnings and advisories as Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the east coast of Florida from the Indian River/St. Lucie County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach. Forecasters predict the storm will turn east-northeast and northeast by today and Wednesday, followed by an eastward movement on Thursday and Friday.
Hurricane Milton’s projected path shows it moving across the eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and Wednesday, making landfall along Florida’s west-central coast by Wednesday night. The storm is expected to traverse the state, exiting over the Atlantic Ocean by Thursday. According to the NHC, fluctuations in intensity are likely, but Milton is expected to remain a major hurricane upon landfall. The minimum central pressure recorded is 915 mb, indicating the storm’s extreme strength.
The combination of Milton’s dangerous storm surge and the tide is expected to flood normally dry areas near the coast. Predictions indicate surge heights could reach:
– Egmont Key to Boca Grande: 10-15 feet
– Tampa Bay: 10-15 feet
– Anclote River to Egmont Key: 9-13 feet
– Boca Grande to Bonita Beach: 8-12 feet
Rainfall amounts are forecasted to range from 6 to 12 inches across central and northern Florida, with localized totals up to 18 inches. This heavy rainfall poses significant risks of flash flooding, urban flooding, and moderate to major river flooding. Additionally, the Florida Keys could see 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated areas experiencing up to 6 inches.
In anticipation of the storm, Florida officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate. President Biden has postponed his overseas trip to oversee the federal response to the hurricane, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Local governments, such as Brevard County, have set up distribution centers for free sandbags to help residents protect their homes from flooding. Emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to the storm’s aftermath.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and preparedness of Florida’s residents. Authorities continue to monitor the storm closely, providing updates and advisories to the public. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels. The coming days will test the resilience and preparedness of the communities in Hurricane Milton’s path.
