Hurricane Milton is a major threat to Florida, prompting hurricane and storm surge warnings for portions of the state’s east coast. As of 8:00 AM Tuesday, Milton was located about 545 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, packing maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. It’s moving east-northeast at 12 mph and is expected to make landfall in Florida Wednesday night.
Despite undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle, Milton is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane.
This dangerous storm surge has the potential to raise water levels by as much as 10 to 15 feet above ground level in areas like Tampa Bay. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves, causing normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters. Other areas of Florida’s west coast, including Charlotte Harbor, could see a surge of 6 to 10 feet. Along the east coast, from the Volusia/Brevard County Line to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, a surge of 3 to 5 feet is possible.
In addition to the storm surge, heavy rainfall is a major concern. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 12 inches, with localized totals up to 18 inches, are expected across central to northern portions of the Florida Peninsula through Thursday. This could lead to life-threatening flash flooding, urban flooding, and areal flooding, along with moderate to major river flooding.
Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area on the west coast of Florida as early as Wednesday afternoon, with tropical storm conditions beginning early Wednesday. Along the east coast, hurricane conditions are expected in the warning areas Wednesday night, with tropical storm conditions possible beginning late Wednesday afternoon. Tropical storm conditions are expected to spread northward through the day Wednesday.
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Residents in the affected areas are strongly urged to complete preparations today and evacuate if instructed by local officials. Heed all warnings and instructions from your local National Weather Service forecast office and local authorities. This is a life-threatening storm, and taking necessary precautions is crucial to ensuring safety.
Here’s the latest:
- As of 7:00 AM CDT: Milton is located about 545 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. It’s moving east-northeast at 12 mph.
- Landfall Expected: Milton is forecast to make landfall in Florida Wednesday night as an extremely dangerous hurricane.
- Warnings in Effect:
- Hurricane Warnings: Issued for portions of Florida’s west coast, including Tampa Bay, and the east coast from the Indian River/St. Lucie County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach.
- Storm Surge Warnings: In effect for much of Florida’s west coast, including Tampa Bay, and the east coast from the Volusia/Brevard County Line northward to the mouth of the St. Mary’s River. Life-threatening inundation is possible in these areas.
- Tropical Storm Warnings: Issued for other coastal areas of Florida, including the Keys.
Impacts:
- Storm Surge: Potentially catastrophic storm surge of 10-15 feet is possible in Tampa Bay and other coastal areas.
- Rainfall: Heavy rainfall of 5 to 12 inches, with isolated amounts up to 18 inches, could lead to life-threatening flooding.
- Wind: Hurricane-force winds are expected in the warning areas, with tropical storm conditions spreading across much of the state.
- Tornadoes: Tornadoes are possible over central and southern Florida.
Stay Informed:
Monitor your local National Weather Service forecast office for the latest updates and heed all instructions from local officials. This is a dangerous storm, and taking necessary precautions is crucial.
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