Milton Strengthens in Gulf of Mexico, Threatens Florida
Milton rapidly strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday and was forecast to become a Category 5 storm on a path toward Florida, threatening a dangerous storm surge in Tampa Bay and setting the stage for potential mass evacuations less than two weeks after a catastrophic Hurricane Helene swamped the coastline.
Warnings and Advisories
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Celestun to Rio Lagartos.
- A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for the Gulf coast of Florida from Chokoloskee northward to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay, the Dry Tortuga and Lake Okeechobee.
- A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay.
- A Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Florida Keys, including Florida Bay.
Update: Milton Classified as Major Hurricane
The National Hurricane Center reports that Milton has become a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h).
Potential Impact
Milton is expected to become a Category 5 storm later Monday with winds greater than 157 mph (250 km/h) and become a large hurricane over the eastern Gulf. Its center could come ashore in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday, and it may remain a hurricane as it moves across central Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean.
The Tampa Bay area, which is still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, is under a hurricane warning and is expected to experience a 8- to 12-foot storm surge and flash and river flooding due to 5 to 10 inches of rain in mainland Florida and the Keys, with as much as 15 inches in some areas.
Evacuation Preparation
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 51 counties and has urged residents to prepare for a potential week-long power outage and to make sure they have a week’s worth of food and water. Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, has ordered evacuations for areas adjacent to Tampa Bay and for all mobile and manufactured homes by Tuesday night.
Lessons Learned from Hurricane Helene
The storm surge from Hurricane Helene caused significant damage along a 20-mile section of barrier islands from St. Petersburg to Clearwater, and 12 people lost their lives. Florida is staging emergency fuel for gas vehicles and charging stations for electric vehicles along evacuation routes, building on lessons learned from Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Conclusion
Milton’s rapid intensification in the Gulf of Mexico poses a significant threat to the Gulf Coast, with potential storm surges, flash flooding, and strong winds expected. As the storm approaches, residents are urged to stay informed, prepare for the worst, and heed evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of the storm?
A: Milton is a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
Q: When and where is the storm expected to make landfall?
A: The storm is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday.
Q: What is the expected impact of the storm surge in Tampa Bay?
A: A 8- to 12-foot storm surge is expected, with potential flash and river flooding.
Q: What are the evacuation orders in place?
A: Hillsborough County has ordered evacuations for areas adjacent to Tampa Bay and for all mobile and manufactured homes by Tuesday night.
Q: What are the precautions being taken by authorities to ensure public safety?
A: Authorities are staging emergency fuel for gas vehicles and charging stations for electric vehicles along evacuation routes, and are urging residents to prepare for a potential week-long power outage and to make sure they have a week’s worth of food and water.
