Hurricane Milton intensified into a major Category 4 storm early Monday, with sustained winds of 155 mph as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to make landfall on Florida’s already storm-damaged western coast on Wednesday, potentially causing significant destruction.
Source: USA TODAY.
The storm quickly escalated from a Category 2 to a Category 4 within just a few hours and is forecasted to reach Category 5 status later Monday. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches for parts of Florida, warning of life-threatening storm surges, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds.
Milton is expected to remain an “extremely dangerous” hurricane for the next few days. A Category 5 hurricane has winds exceeding 155 mph. While some weakening is anticipated before it hits the coast, it is still expected to be a large and powerful hurricane when it reaches Florida, according to hurricane center specialist Jack Beven.
Rainfall in some areas could reach between 5 to 10 inches, particularly in regions already saturated from Hurricane Helene, which struck less than two weeks ago. Some isolated areas may see up to 15 inches of rain. Heavy rainfall is expected to begin on Tuesday and continue through Wednesday night.
Coastal communities, including Tampa, could face a dangerous storm surge of 8 to 12 feet. “The forecast models agree that the hurricane will cross Florida, but there are still significant differences regarding the exact location and timing of landfall,” Beven noted.
Current Developments:
– As of early Monday, Milton was located 720 miles west-southwest of Tampa, moving east-southeast at 9 mph.
– Tampa International Airport will suspend flight operations at 9 a.m. Tuesday and will reopen when it is safe to do so. The airport will not serve as a shelter for people or vehicles.
Residents Prepare for Impact
David Green, a resident of St. Pete Beach, is preparing for Hurricane Milton after already dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which flooded his home with 3.5 feet of water. Green and his wife are reinforcing their home again, expecting 10 to 12 feet of storm surge this week.
“We’re just exhausted,” Green shared. His neighborhood is still covered in debris from Helene, and he is concerned that Milton’s strong winds could turn household items into dangerous projectiles. On Monday, he rented a truck to gather plywood to cover his windows and plans to wait out the storm at his daughter’s house in Ruskin.
Rapid Intensification
Hurricane Milton underwent “rapid intensification,” a term used when a storm’s wind speed increases dramatically and barometric pressure drops quickly. Milton went from a 60-mph tropical storm on Sunday to a powerful 155-mph hurricane on Monday—an increase of 95 mph in just over 24 hours. This rapid strengthening is often due to very warm ocean waters and favorable atmospheric conditions.
Walt Disney World Updates
Walt Disney World parks remained open on Monday but stopped taking reservations for Tuesday and Wednesday. Disney stated they are monitoring the storm closely to ensure the safety of guests and staff.
Evacuations and Emergency Measures
Mandatory evacuation orders were expected for several counties, including Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota. Pinellas County plans to evacuate 500,000 residents in low-lying areas. The county has already evacuated six hospitals and numerous nursing homes, affecting around 6,600 patients.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 of the state’s 67 counties, which allows for more efficient coordination of emergency services and the ability to relax certain regulations. This declaration also enables the governor to order evacuations, direct the National Guard, and manage other emergency responses.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed about the storm’s path and safety measures.
