Hurricane Milton Becoming a Cat. 5 Storm – Watch Out, Florida

Florida could be set to receive the same kind of brutal beating that Hurricane Helene just gave to North Carolina, according to the Weather Channel.

At a glance:

  • Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, with life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds expected along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
  • Hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued from Chokoloskee to the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay, with storm surge forecasted to reach up to 12 feet above ground level.
  • Heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding are expected across Florida, with rainfall totals of up to 15 inches in some areas, posing widespread flooding threats by midweek.

This isn’t the news we wanted to bring you – especially if you live in Florida. But it’s important you know what’s happening out there so you can prepare accordingly.

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Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, reaching Category 5 status and prompting hurricane and storm surge watches along the western Gulf Coast of Florida. The National Weather Service has called Milton a “historic storm” for the region, with the potential for life-threatening conditions from storm surge, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall.

The National Hurricane Center predicts a storm surge of 8 to 12 feet along the Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, if the peak surge coincides with high tide. Tropical storm watches extend into Florida’s Big Bend, and Mexico’s northern Yucatan Peninsula is also under alerts. Milton is currently about 720 miles southwest of Tampa, with 160 mph winds.

Milton has intensified rapidly, with winds increasing by 95 mph in just over 24 hours, marking one of the most extreme intensifications observed in the Atlantic. While some weakening is expected before the storm makes landfall due to wind shear and dry air, Milton is forecast to remain a major hurricane when it reaches Florida.

Impacts Forecast:

  1. Storm Surge:
    The storm surge forecast shows water levels potentially rising up to 12 feet along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The surge is expected to be most destructive near where the storm center crosses the coast, likely peaking Wednesday night into early Thursday. The Tampa Bay area could see the highest surge in more than a century.
  2. Rainfall Flooding:
    Florida has already experienced heavy rainfall ahead of Milton due to a front draped across the state. Flood watches are in effect, with additional rainfall from Milton expected to bring totals of 5 to 10 inches across the Florida Peninsula, with up to 15 inches in some areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
  3. Wind Damage:
    The strongest winds, capable of causing structural damage, downing trees, and knocking out power, are expected along the western Gulf Coast starting Wednesday. Areas farther inland will also experience strong gusts, with power outages expected to last several days in the hardest-hit areas.
  4. Tornadoes:
    The storm may also bring an isolated tornado threat to west-central and southern Florida starting Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, officials advise completing preparations by Tuesday evening to avoid dangerous conditions. The storm’s path and intensity will continue to be monitored, and further updates will provide more clarity on the areas most at risk.