FORT MYERS, Fla. — Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a dangerous Category 5 storm in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. With winds reaching over 180 mph and a near-record low central pressure, the storm strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in less than 12 hours.
A storm surge warning is now in effect for the coastal areas of Southwest Florida. Residents in coastal Lee and Charlotte counties should prepare for 5-10 feet of storm surge, while those in Collier County can expect 4-7 feet of water surge.
Additionally, a hurricane warning has been issued for parts of the west coast of Florida, including Charlotte, DeSoto, and Lee Counties. A hurricane watch remains in effect for Collier, Glades, and Hendry Counties.
What’s the Latest Update?
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) 8 a.m. advisory, Milton is currently sustaining winds of 145 mph and is likely undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle. The storm is now moving east-northeast at 12 mph, with its central pressure recorded at 929 mb. As of this report, the hurricane is located 545 miles southwest of Tampa.
Hurricane-force winds extend about 40 miles from the storm’s center and are expected to nearly double as it approaches the coast, with landfall anticipated late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
Key Point One: Where is the Storm Headed?
Hurricane Milton is on track to move toward Florida’s west coast in the coming days. It is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane, although wind shear might weaken it to a Category 3 before it hits late Wednesday night or early Thursday.
While it is crucial to monitor the entire forecast cone, the exact path within the cone will determine the severity of impacts. If Milton follows the southern part of the cone, stronger winds and storm surge will affect the area. However, if it stays near the center or moves north, the wind threat may lessen, though the risk of storm surge remains.
Key Point Two: How Will It Affect My Area?
The primary concern for Southwest Florida is the storm surge. If your area is under a mandatory evacuation, it is essential to leave as the surge could rise between 5 to 10 feet above ground level in coastal areas of Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties. This includes vulnerable communities along the Peace River, Caloosahatchee River, and Vanderbilt Beach.
Winds could gust over 75 mph along the coast, with tropical-storm-force winds (below 74 mph) expected for parts of Hendry and eastern Collier Counties.
Heavy rainfall is also expected in the region, with a Flood Watch in effect through Thursday morning. Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches or more may result in flash flooding, affecting rivers, streams, and low-lying areas.
Key Point Three: When Will the Storm Hit?
Hurricane Milton is currently moving through the Gulf of Mexico, so it will not take long to approach Florida. The NHC predicts the earliest tropical-storm-force winds to arrive by 8 a.m. Wednesday, so any outdoor preparations should be completed by Tuesday evening at the latest.
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