The Brief
- Hurricane Milton increased to a Category 5 storm Monday morning in the Gulf of Mexico as it barreled toward Florida.
- The storm has prompted Florida to prepare for what could be its biggest evacuation in seven years.
- Milton is set to make landfall almost two weeks after Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic damage from Florida into the Appalachian Mountains.
TAMPA, Fla. – Milton increased to a Category 5 hurricane later Monday morning as it barreled toward an already-battered Florida, prompting the state to prepare for what could be its biggest evacuation in seven years.
According to the National Hurricane Center, maximum sustained winds within Milton increased to 160 mph.
Current info on Hurricane Milton.(FOX Weather)
The storm-ravaged Gulf Coast in Florida is expected to be hit again, almost two weeks after Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic damage from Florida into the Appalachian Mountains.
Florida officials warned residents about potentially deadly storm surge, destructive winds and flooding rain, prompting watches and warnings for many parts of the state.
Here’s what to know about Hurricane Milton:
Milton’s projected path
The forecast cone for Hurricane Milton. (FOX Weather)
While forecast models vary widely, the most likely path suggests Milton could make landfall Wednesday in the Tampa Bay area and remain a hurricane as it moves across central Florida into the Atlantic Ocean.
That would largely spare other southeastern states hit by Helene, which caused a death toll that rose Sunday to at least 230 people.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sunday said that while it remains to be seen where Milton will strike, it’s clear the state is going to be hit hard.
“I don’t think there’s any scenario where we don’t have major impacts at this point,” DeSantis said.
“You have time to prepare — all day today, all day Monday, probably all day Tuesday to be sure your hurricane preparedness plan is in place,” he added. “If you’re on that west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you’ll be asked to leave.”
RELATED: Hurricane Milton: Do you live in an evacuation zone? Here’s how to find out
Hurricane Milton storm surge
Current Storm Surge Watches and Warnings in effect for Hurricane Milton. (FOX Weather)
A Storm Surge Watch was issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and is in effect from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay.
This graphic shows the storm surge forecast. (FOX Weather)
The current storm surge forecast for Tampa Bay is between 8 and 12 feet if the peak surge coincides with high tide, according to FOX Weather. This is notably higher than during Helene, when Tampa Bay saw 7-8 feet of storm surge.
Hurricane Milton watches and warnings
Current Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings in effect for Hurricane Milton. (FOX Weather)
Hurricane Watches were issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast from about the Cedar Key area southward to Naples, including Tampa and Fort Myers.
Tropical Storm Watches were also issued for the Florida Keys, as well as for Gulf Coast communities from Flamingo to south of Chokoloskee and from north of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass.
The Source
This story was reported using information published by the National Hurricane Center, Florida state officials, FOX Weather and the Associated Press on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, 2024. It was reported from Cincinnati.
Conclusion:
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida, prompting evacuations and warnings for residents. The storm surge forecast is higher than during Hurricane Helene, and residents are advised to prepare for potentially deadly storm surge, destructive winds, and flooding rain.
FAQs:
Q: What is the current category of Hurricane Milton?
A: Hurricane Milton is currently a Category 5 storm.
Q: Where is Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall?
A: Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area.
Q: What is the storm surge forecast for Tampa Bay?
A: The current storm surge forecast for Tampa Bay is between 8 and 12 feet if the peak surge coincides with high tide.
Q: What are the watches and warnings in effect for Hurricane Milton?
A: Hurricane Watches are in effect for Florida’s Gulf Coast from about the Cedar Key area southward to Naples, including Tampa and Fort Myers. Tropical Storm Watches are also in effect for the Florida Keys and Gulf Coast communities from Flamingo to south of Chokoloskee and from north of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass.
