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As Hurricane Milton moves toward the Florida Gulf Coast, residents across the state are bracing for a powerful Category 4 storm. With winds clocked at 145 mph, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Milton will likely remain a "dangerous major hurricane" when it makes landfall. The storm is expected to hit late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning and bring a mix of high winds, storm surges, torrential rain, and tornadoes. Here's everything you need to know about Hurricane Milton's current path, the risks it poses, and how to stay safe.
Where is Hurricane Milton Now?
As of the NHC's latest advisory at 1 p.m., Hurricane Milton was located approximately 145 miles west of Fort Myers, Florida. The storm is moving northeast at a speed of 17 mph. Milton's intensity has slightly decreased from previous reports due to wind shear, but it remains a formidable storm with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph and a minimum central pressure of 935 mb.
The NHC anticipates that Milton will reach Florida's west-central coast by late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, the storm will likely move off the east coast and head into the Atlantic, leaving a path of destruction behind.
Florida Under Numerous Watches and Warnings
Ahead of Milton’s expected landfall, various watches and warnings have been issued across Florida. The NHC has highlighted the potential for life-threatening conditions in many regions, including:
Storm Surge Warnings: These are in effect for the west coast of Florida, stretching from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay. The warning also covers areas from Sebastian Inlet, Florida, to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, including the St. Johns River.
Hurricane Warnings: Florida's west coast from Bonita Beach to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay, is under a hurricane warning. Other regions include parts of Florida’s east coast, such as from the St. Lucie/Martin County line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach, and inland counties like Marion, Seminole, Orange, Lake, Osceola, Polk, Sumter, Flagler, Volusia, and Brevard counties.
Tropical Storm Warnings: The Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay, are under tropical storm warnings. Lake Okeechobee and other regions along the coast are also included.
These warnings mean that life-threatening conditions are imminent or already occurring, and residents should take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties.
Storm Surge: A Major Concern
Perhaps the most significant risk from Hurricane Milton is the storm surge. The NHC has predicted that parts of the Florida coast could experience surges that raise water levels by several feet. Combined with destructive waves, these surges could flood areas that are typically dry, pushing water well inland and creating dangerous conditions for anyone in the storm's path.
Officials are urging residents in the affected areas to evacuate if possible. The storm surge could lead to extensive flooding in coastal communities, potentially washing away roads, damaging buildings, and trapping those who don’t heed evacuation orders.
Rainfall and Flooding
On top of the storm surge, Hurricane Milton is expected to dump heavy rain across Florida. Some regions could see as much as 18 inches of rain, particularly in areas near the center of the storm. This amount of rainfall will likely result in flash flooding, which can be life-threatening.
Urban areas are particularly at risk for flash flooding, as the rain overwhelms drainage systems and causes water to pool quickly. Officials also warn of river flooding, with several Florida rivers likely to exceed flood stages due to the immense volume of water. This could impact both rural and urban areas, making road travel dangerous or impossible.
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Hurricane Milton is not just a wind and rain event. As the storm approaches, the NHC has issued tornado watches and warnings for several counties, including Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.
Tornadic supercells have already been reported in South Florida, with one confirmed tornado touching down near the Miccosukee Service Plaza off Interstate 75. These tornadoes, which are often embedded in hurricanes, can strike with little warning and cause significant damage in localized areas.
Residents are urged to monitor tornado warnings closely, as these storms can develop rapidly and pose a severe threat. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately in an interior room or storm cellar.
Mandatory Evacuations and Safety Preparations
With the storm approaching, several counties along Florida's Gulf Coast have issued mandatory evacuation orders. These areas are particularly vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. Residents in evacuation zones should leave as soon as possible, as conditions are expected to worsen quickly as Hurricane Milton nears landfall.
If you're not in an evacuation zone but still in the storm’s projected path, it's essential to prepare for power outages, flooding, and dangerous winds. Here are a few safety tips:
Stock Up on Essentials: Ensure you have enough food, water, and medical supplies to last at least three days. Make sure to have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio to stay informed about the storm’s progress.
Secure Your Home: Board up windows, secure loose outdoor items, and reinforce your garage doors. Flying debris can cause significant damage during hurricanes, so it’s crucial to minimize potential hazards.
Charge Devices: Fully charge your phones, portable chargers, and other electronics before the storm hits. This will ensure that you can stay connected even if the power goes out.
Follow Local Instructions: Listen to local authorities and follow evacuation orders if they are issued for your area. It's better to be overly cautious than to stay in a dangerous situation.
Impact on Central Florida
Central Florida, including the Orlando area, is not immune to Hurricane Milton's destructive path. Residents in this region should expect high winds, heavy rain, and the potential for tornadoes. Gusts could top 100 mph, and some parts of Central Florida could see significant flash flooding.
The storm is expected to pass through Central Florida late Wednesday into Thursday morning. While the worst of the wind and rain will hit coastal areas, inland regions will still experience dangerous conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid driving, as roads could be flooded or blocked by debris.
Tornadoes and Flash Flooding: A Deadly Combination
South Florida has already seen tornadic activity, and the threat will only increase as Hurricane Milton nears landfall. A tornado was confirmed near Treasure Island in St. Lucie County, moving north at 30 mph. Tornado watches remain in effect for multiple counties until late Wednesday, with the potential for more tornadoes to form as the storm continues.
These tornadoes can strike with little warning and create a deadly combination when paired with flash flooding. Fast-moving water, debris, and wind can make it nearly impossible to escape if you're caught in the storm's path.
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As Hurricane Milton continues its northeast trajectory, conditions across Florida will deteriorate rapidly. The west coast will bear the brunt of the storm, with storm surges, high winds, and heavy rain striking overnight into Thursday morning. Central Florida will see strong winds and potential tornadoes, while South Florida grapples with scattered storms and tornadic activity.
Authorities are urging everyone in the path of Hurricane Milton to take the storm seriously. This is a life-threatening event, and those who don’t evacuate or take precautions could face dire consequences. While Milton may weaken slightly as it approaches landfall, the NHC is clear: Milton will remain a major hurricane capable of causing widespread destruction.
Stay tuned to local news and weather updates, and be prepared to act if conditions worsen. Hurricane Milton is a powerful storm that will impact millions of people across Florida. Whether you’re on the coast or inland, now is the time to finalize preparations and ensure your safety during this potentially catastrophic event.
In summary, Hurricane Milton's path is unpredictable, but it will leave a significant impact on Florida. With storm surges, torrential rain, flash floods, and tornadoes, this hurricane poses a dangerous threat to both coastal and inland communities. Stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and stay safe as Milton makes its way across the state.
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