As of Tuesday morning, Hurricane Milton remains a dangerous Category 4 storm, barreling toward Florida’s western coast. The storm is projected to make landfall by Wednesday night, threatening significant damage and disruption. According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 4 a.m. CDT, Milton was located 85 miles northeast of Progreso, Mexico, and 560 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. The storm is moving east-northeast at a speed of 12 mph, and warnings have been issued for both Mexico and parts of Florida.
Hurricane Milton’s Track and Impact on Mexico and Florida
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Alert
The Mexican government has issued a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for areas from Celestun to Campeche. Additionally, a hurricane warning is in effect for the Yucatan Peninsula, spanning Celestun to Rio Lagartos. Meanwhile, a hurricane watch has been placed on the region from Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche, along with Campeche to the south of Celestun. Coastal areas are bracing for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potentially life-threatening storm surges.
Florida’s West Coast Preparations
Florida’s Gulf Coast is preparing for Milton’s arrival, with a hurricane watch in effect from Chokoloskee to the mouth of the Suwannee River. This includes the heavily populated Tampa Bay area, Dry Tortugas, and Lake Okeechobee. A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, stretching from Flamingo to the area just south of Chokoloskee and north of Suwannee River to Indian Pass. Furthermore, Lower, Middle, and Upper Florida Keys, along with Florida Bay, are under a tropical storm watch.
A storm surge watch is also in place for the Florida Gulf Coast from Flamingo to the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. The NHC warns that storm surges of 10 to 15 feet are possible in Tampa Bay, presenting a severe risk to coastal communities.
Milton’s Meteorological Milestones: Rapid Intensification and Low Pressure
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified, with its wind speeds increasing by 90 mph in less than 24 hours, reaching a peak of 180 mph on Monday. This rapid intensification makes Milton the third-fastest storm to strengthen in the Atlantic basin over the past 40 years.
Milton’s central pressure has also plummeted to 897 millibars, according to data collected by Hurricane Hunter aircraft. This places it as the fifth-lowest central pressure recorded for an Atlantic hurricane. For comparison, Milton is now the second-strongest hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, trailing only Hurricane Rita, which had a pressure of 895 millibars when it struck in 2005.
Forecast for Landfall and Impact on Florida
The NHC forecasts that Milton will pass just north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Tuesday and then move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico before making landfall on Florida’s west coast by Wednesday night. Although slight fluctuations in intensity are expected, Milton is projected to remain a Category 3 or 4 storm when it hits Florida, posing significant threats in terms of storm surges, high winds, and heavy rainfall. Even after crossing Florida, Milton is expected to maintain hurricane strength as it moves into the Atlantic Ocean.
Warnings for Storm Surge, Flooding, and High Winds
Residents in Florida’s west coast and Keys should prepare for extensive rainfall. The NHC forecasts 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash flooding, especially in urban areas. Coupled with the possibility of storm surges, the potential for severe flooding across Florida is high.
The NHC emphasizes that it is still too early to predict Milton’s exact landfall location or the storm’s intensity at that time. However, the “increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds” is clear for Florida’s west coast, particularly from early Wednesday. Local authorities and emergency services are urging residents to evacuate vulnerable areas and take precautions to protect life and property.
Recent Hurricanes in Florida’s West Coast
Milton is the 13th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and the third major hurricane to impact Florida’s west coast this year. Previously, Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall near Perry in the Big Bend region on September 26, while Hurricane Debby struck nearby Steinhatchee as a Category 1 storm on August 5.
With the landfall of Hurricane Milton imminent, Florida’s west coast is once again in the crosshairs of another potentially catastrophic hurricane, following the damage inflicted by Helene and Debby.
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Other Atlantic Storms in Play: Kirk and Leslie
While Milton poses the most immediate threat, two other hurricanes, Kirk and Leslie, are currently active in the Atlantic. Kirk is a Category 3 hurricane, while Leslie just reached hurricane status late Friday. However, neither storm currently poses a direct threat to land.
What to Expect: Storm Preparations and Travel Warnings
Emergency services across Florida are on high alert, with the Florida Highway Patrol and local sheriff’s offices warning residents to expect delays and hazardous travel conditions. Officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas to follow evacuation orders and to stay informed through official weather updates.
“Drive safely, and expect extended delays,” warned Florida’s sheriff’s office as residents prepare for Hurricane Milton’s potential impacts.
FAQs about Hurricane Milton
1. How strong is Hurricane Milton?
As of Tuesday morning, Hurricane Milton is a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 mph. It is expected to remain a dangerous hurricane as it approaches Florida.
2. Where will Hurricane Milton make landfall?
Milton is forecasted to make landfall on Florida’s west coast by Wednesday night, but its exact landfall location is still uncertain.
3. What areas are under a hurricane warning?
A hurricane warning is in effect for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, Dry Tortugas, and Lake Okeechobee.
4. What is a storm surge watch?
A storm surge watch indicates a risk of life-threatening coastal flooding due to rising water moving inland from the shore, which is expected for Florida’s Gulf Coast from Flamingo to Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay.
5. How much rain is expected with Hurricane Milton?
Florida’s west coast and the Keys could see between 5 and 10 inches of rain, with isolated areas receiving up to 15 inches through Wednesday night.
6. What should Florida residents do to prepare?
Residents should secure their homes, follow evacuation orders, stock up on essentials, and monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.
Conclusion
Hurricane Milton is set to impact Florida’s west coast as a powerful Category 4 storm by Wednesday night, bringing potentially catastrophic storm surges, flooding, and winds. Residents are urged to prepare and stay informed as the storm approaches.