Hurricane Milton Strengthens, Threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast
- Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Hurricane and storm surge watches are in effect along Florida’s western Gulf Coast.
- Milton will bring life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds to Florida midweek.
- Heavy rainfall threats are expected, leading to widespread flooding.
Hurricane Milton has prompted hurricane and storm surge watches to be issued along Florida’s western Gulf Coast. By midweek, it poses threats of life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds, and flooding rainfall.
If you are in an area prone to storm surge, it is crucial to follow local officials’ advice and evacuate if ordered to do so. The National Hurricane Center forecasts a storm surge between 8 to 12 feet above ground level, impacting areas including Tampa Bay.
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Current Alerts
A hurricane watch is in effect for the entire western Gulf Coast of Florida, from Chokoloskee northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, encompassing Tampa Bay. This indicates that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible in this area within the next 48 hours.
A storm surge watch extends from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay, suggesting that life-threatening water rises from storm surge are likely.
Current Status of Hurricane Milton
As of now, Hurricane Milton is churning over the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 750 miles west-southwest of Tampa. Currently classified as a Category 2 hurricane, it is tracking toward the east-southeast at 8 mph.
Forecast Timing and Intensity
Milton is projected to intensify into a major Category 3 or potentially Category 4 hurricane as it moves later this Monday. However, it may experience some weakening as it approaches Florida due to increasing wind shear.
Despite the forecasted weakening, significant impacts, particularly the serious storm surge, may still occur. Milton’s size could also expand as it nears Florida, increasing the affected areas significantly.
Impacts Forecast
Storm Surge: The National Hurricane Center anticipates that storm surge levels could reach 8 to 12 feet along the west-central Florida Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay. Future updates might adjust these forecasts based on Milton’s track.
Rainfall Flooding: Heavy rainfall is forecasted to begin before Milton’s arrival due to a frontal boundary sagging into the region. Scattered heavy rain showers commenced across Florida this past Sunday, with flood watches currently in effect for much of the Peninsula.
You can expect at least 3 inches of rain across much of the peninsula, with some areas at risk of receiving nearly a foot. The heaviest rainfall will likely arrive between Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Wind Damage: Current forecasts indicate that Milton could reach a Category 4 hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico before reducing to a Category 3 as it approaches Florida. The system may produce damaging winds on the west-central or southwest Florida coast late Tuesday or Wednesday, although the exact location and intensity remain uncertain.
It’s essential to finalize any hurricane preparations or recovery efforts by Tuesday evening, as conditions may turn hazardous afterwards. The extent of potential damage will depend on how strong Milton becomes, as warm water temperatures support development. However, wind shear in the northern Gulf of Mexico presents a possible hurdle for intensification.
Stay Updated
Check back with us at weather.com for continuous updates in the coming days as detailed predictions evolve.
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