FLORIDA, USA —
Here's the latest on Milton (last updated 11 p.m. Oct. 8):
- Category 5
- Sustained wind 160 mph (Category 5 is 157+ mph winds)
- Pressure dropping at 915 mb
- Now tracking slightly faster NE at 12mph
Latest on the storm track and strength
- Milton intensified again today in favorable (very warm water, little wind shear, abundant moisture) conditions, and likely remains a Category 5 into early Wednesday morning before a gradual "weakening" to Category 4 later in the day
- Wind field will likely double in size before landfall with impacts felt well outside the cone track
- Forecast to become a Category 3 as the storm is set to interact with wind shear/less favorable conditions approaching the Florida coast Wednesday
- Outer rainbands and tropical storm force winds will begin to impact the west coast of Florida on Wednesday
- Still on track to "weaken" into a still major Category 3 hurricane shortly before landfall which will be approximately 2 a.m. Thursday but impacts will still be widespread
- Impacts from storm surge (peaking at 10-15' around Tampa Bay area) remain life-threatening
- Expected to remain a Category 2 with 100 mph sustained winds as it tracks across the Florida peninsula Thursday
Key Messages from the National Hurricane Center:
- A large area of destructive storm surge, with highest
inundations of 10 ft or greater, is expected along a portion of the
west-central coast of the Florida Peninsula. If you are in the
Storm Surge Warning area, this is an extremely life-threatening
situation, and you should evacuate today if ordered by local
officials. There will likely not be enough time to wait to leave on
Wednesday. - Devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of
the west coast of Florida, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect.
Milton is forecast to remain a hurricane as it crosses the Florida
Peninsula and life-threatening hurricane-force winds, especially in
gusts, are expected to spread inland across the peninsula.
Preparations to protect life and property, including being ready for
long-duration power outages, should be complete by tonight. - Heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday
brings the risk of catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban
flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in
areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the
overall flood threat. - Tropical storm conditions and a dangerous storm surge with
destructive waves will continue across portions of the northern
coast of the Yucatan Peninsula this evening. If you have friends or family or travel plans in this area, please stay updated on the latest tropical information from the National Hurricane Center at this link.