Milton rapidly intensifies to a Category 5 storm, prompting the expansion of Hurricane Watches in Florida to encompass Orlando.
Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, and Florida is preparing for potentially life-threatening impacts. As the massive storm moves across the warm Gulf of Mexico waters, it poses risks of dangerous storm surge, devastating winds, and heavy rainfall.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Milton is "explosively intensifying" and is advising residents to heed the instructions of local officials, particularly if evacuation orders are issued.
With winds reaching 175 mph, Milton is the strongest Atlantic hurricane in five years, following Hurricane Dorian in 2019. It is also tied for the fourth strongest storm on record. The record for the strongest Atlantic hurricane is held by Hurricane Allen, which had winds of 190 mph.
On October 6, 2024, local residents in Kissimmee, Florida, began filling sandbags as rain began to fall. Florida's governor declared a state of emergency on Saturday, with forecasters warning that Hurricane Milton could strengthen into a major hurricane and is on a direct path toward the state. (Photo by Gregg Newton / AFP) (Photo by GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images)
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The situation in Florida is increasingly urgent, with state and local officials warning residents that time is running out to prepare for the life-threatening storm. They emphasize that individuals living near the coast or in low-lying areas must evacuate before the storm arrives, as it could bring a dangerous storm surge of up to 12 feet in certain locations, including Tampa Bay.
WEST-CENTRAL FLORIDA FACES THE MOST SIGNIFICANT HURRICANE THREAT IN OVER A CENTURY.
This graphic displays the current Watches and Warnings in effect across Florida as a result of Hurricane Milton.
The first alerts were issued early Monday morning along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and these have now been extended to include additional areas in Central Florida, such as the Orlando region.
As Hurricane Milton draws nearer, it is anticipated that the alerts will expand further to encompass more regions closer to the east coast of the state.
**KNOW YOUR ZONE:** FLORIDA EVACUATION MAP SHOWS WHO MUST EVACUATE PRIOR TO A HURRICANE.
Hurricane Watches are currently in effect along the Gulf Coast from Chokoloskee to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay.
In addition, Tropical Storm Watches are active for the Florida Keys and from Flamingo to south of Chokoloskee, as well as from north of the mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass.
**AS HURRICANE MILTON APPROACHES, FLORIDA BRACES FOR ITS LARGEST EVACUATION SINCE 2017'S HURRICANE IRMA.**
This graphic displays the Storm Surge Alerts currently in effect in Florida due to Hurricane Milton.
Storm Surge Watches have been issued for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
The current forecast for storm surge in Tampa Bay ranges from 8 to 12 feet if the peak surge coincides with high tide. This is significantly higher than the 7-8 feet of storm surge recorded during Hurricane Helene.
**IS MILTON'S STORM SURGE FORECAST FOR TAMPA BAY MORE SEVERE THAN HELENE'S?**
What is the forecast for Hurricane Milton?
The National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Milton is currently moving east-southeast, and this general direction is anticipated to persist through Monday night. Following this, the NHC expects Hurricane Milton to turn east and then northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday.
According to this forecast, Hurricane Milton is projected to travel near or just north of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Monday and Tuesday, before crossing the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approaching the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday.
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