Hurricane Milton, a powerful and dangerous storm, is continuing its path towards Florida’s west coast, maintaining its major hurricane status. Recent investigations by NOAA and Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft have provided valuable data, confirming that Milton had briefly regained Category 5 intensity with maximum winds near 145 kt (167 mph) and a central pressure as low as 902 mb.
While the latest observations show a slight decrease in intensity, with maximum winds now estimated at 140 kt (161 mph), Milton remains an extremely dangerous storm. The hurricane is gradually turning towards the left and is moving at approximately 10 knots. It is expected to continue on this northeasterly path, reaching the Florida Gulf coast in roughly 24 hours.
Despite an anticipated increase in vertical wind shear, which could cause some weakening, Milton is still expected to be a major hurricane at landfall. The storm’s interaction with a frontal boundary and the early stages of extratropical transition may also contribute to maintaining its intensity.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Milton’s wind field is expected to expand significantly as it approaches Florida, bringing damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall well beyond the forecast cone. A storm surge of 10 feet or greater is possible along portions of the west-central Florida coast, posing a severe threat to life and property.
This is a critical situation, and the NHC stresses the urgency of preparation and evacuation for those in the storm’s path. Residents should not wait until Wednesday to evacuate if ordered to do so by local officials. Hurricane Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida, and residents must take all necessary precautions to protect themselves.
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