MIAMI — Milton is now a Category 1 hurricane after forming as a tropical storm in the western Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and continues strengthening as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center said its hurricane hunters are finding Milton “rapidly intensifying” and that the storm is expected to become a major hurricane in the next day or so. It is forecasted to become a Category 3 hurricane before it makes landfall across the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.
Hurricane Milton 5 p.m. path.
CBS News Miami
On Saturday evening, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 35 counties ahead of Milton’s landfall. In the state of emergency bulletin, DeSantis included Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. That number has now increased to 51 counties.
How will Milton impact South Florida?
CBS News Miami’s NEXT Weather Team said the track has shifted a little north on Saturday evening toward Tampa and Fort Myers, but it still includes some portions of South Florida, including Broward County. The storm will be slow to move and organize overnight Sunday before it is expected to speed up and intensify on between Monday and Tuesday.
Hurricane Milton forecast models.
CBS News Miami
South Florida will receive a “one-two punch” with this system, beginning Sunday with a weaker and non-tropical area of low pressure that will swing through the area then and into Monday. This will bring South Florida’s first round of heavy rain and potential flooding. By Tuesday, there will be a slight break with a few storms across the area.
The second “punch” will be Milton, forecasted to arrive at the Gulf Coast on Wednesday afternoon, bringing more heavy rain and windy weather.
Hurricane Milton 5 p.m. track.
CBS News Miami
Depending on its track, Milton could bring tropical-storm conditions very early Wednesday for most of South Florida; however, the Florida Keys could see these conditions earlier.
For now, South Florida’s main threat continues to be the risk of rainwater flooding, with 4″-7″+ looking likely across the area.
Rain accumulation from Saturday evening through Friday.
CBS News Miami
Saturday will be a precursor to this stretch of very wet weather, with ongoing rounds of showers and storms set to move through the area. This will prime Florida soils for what will likely be an increasing flood risk set to continue into the week ahead. Expect a flood watch to take effect through Thursday.
Remember: if you see standing water on the roadways, turn around because it only takes a foot of water to float most vehicles.
NEXT Weather Radar
CBS Miami
More from CBS News
KC Sherman
Given the current situation surrounding Hurricane Milton, a relevant question that could spark a debate is:
Given the current situation surrounding Hurricane Milton, a relevant question that could spark a debate is:
“Should state and local governments prioritize immediate evacuations in response to Hurricane Milton’s intensification, even if it might cause panic among residents?”
This question opens up a critical discussion about the balance between public safety and the potential negative impacts of hurried evacuation orders. Advocates for swift action might argue that the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and Milton’s rapid intensification warrant pre-emptive measures to ensure safety and minimize loss of life. On the other hand, opponents might contend that unnecessary evacuations can lead to panic, congestion on evacuation routes, and other complications that could pose additional risks.
Recent updates indicate that Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified and is now expected to become a major hurricane, with Governor Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency across increasingly more counties in Florida in preparation for its impact[1[1[1[1[1[1[1[1][2[2[2[2[2[2[2[2]. As the storm’s trajectory shifts closer to populated areas, the urgency to decide on evacuations grows. This decision-making process might center around timing, clear communication strategies, and weighing potential consequences of both action and inaction.
Debate Question:
Debate Question:
Given the forecasted intensity and potential impact of Hurricane Milton on South Florida, what should be the primary focus of government and community responses: immediate preparedness and evacuation measures, or long-term investment in infrastructure and flood prevention strategies?
