Hurricane Milton - Oct 10 - Just After Landfall

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Overview

Hurricane Milton has made landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast just south of Tampa as a major hurricane. The storm is now moving inland over central Florida, bringing devastating rains, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surge. Residents in the affected areas should immediately seek shelter and be prepared for prolonged power outages and hazardous conditions.

Current Status

• Location: Inland near Latitude 27.6° North, Longitude 82.0° West
• Distance from Key Locations:
  • About 75 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida
  • About 100 miles west-southwest of Cape Canaveral, Florida
• Movement: East-northeast at 16 mph
• Maximum Sustained Winds: 105 mph (Category 2 hurricane)
• Minimum Central Pressure: 960 millibars

Forecast Track

Milton is expected to:

• Overnight: Continue moving east-northeast across the central part of the Florida peninsula.
• Thursday: Emerge off the east coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean.
• Thursday Night and Beyond: Turn toward the east and move over the southwestern Atlantic waters, gradually losing tropical characteristics.

Please Note: While the storm is inland, its effects will continue to be felt over a wide area. Do not venture outside until authorities declare it safe.

Intensity Forecast

• Current Strength: Maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
• Over Land: Milton is forecast to maintain hurricane intensity while crossing Florida overnight due to its fast forward speed.
• Over Water: After moving into the Atlantic, gradual weakening is expected, and Milton is likely to become a post-tropical cyclone by late Thursday or early Friday.
• Wind Field Expansion: Milton is interacting with a frontal boundary, which may cause strong, gusty winds to extend further from the center, affecting areas beyond the immediate path.

Expected Impacts

Central Florida Peninsula

• Storm Surge:
  • Ongoing: Life-threatening storm surge occurring along portions of the west-central coast and southwest Florida.
  • Heights: Up to 13 feet above ground level from Anna Maria Island to Boca Grande, including Charlotte Harbor.
  • Duration: Elevated water levels will remain into Thursday morning.
• Wind:
  • Hurricane Conditions: Occurring within the Hurricane Warning area and spreading east-northeastward.
  • Damaging Winds: Life-threatening hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will affect central Florida and reach the east coast overnight and early Thursday.
  • Safety Measures: Residents should take shelter in an interior room away from windows.
• Rainfall:
  • Amounts: 8 to 14 inches widespread; isolated totals up to 18 inches.
  • Timing: Through Thursday.
  • Flooding Risks: Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding, urban flooding, and river flooding are ongoing and will continue.
  • Combined Flooding: Coastal storm surge and heavy inland rainfall may exacerbate flooding.
• Tornadoes: A tornado or two is possible through early Thursday morning over parts of central and eastern Florida.
• Surf and Rip Currents: Dangerous surf conditions and rip currents are occurring along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

East Coast of Florida

• Wind:
  • Tropical Storm Conditions: Reached the east coast and will continue overnight.
  • Hurricane Conditions: Possible within the Hurricane Watch area.
• Storm Surge:
  • Heights: 3 to 5 feet above ground level from Sebastian Inlet to Altamaha Sound, including the St. Johns River.
• Rainfall and Flooding: Heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding and river flooding.

Georgia and South Carolina Coasts

• Tropical Storm Conditions: Expected along the Georgia coast on Thursday and may reach parts of the South Carolina coast.
• Storm Surge: 2 to 4 feet of surge possible from Altamaha Sound, Georgia, to Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

Northwestern Bahamas

• Tropical Storm Conditions: Expected on Thursday, including Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos, and Bimini.

Watches and Warnings

Florida

• Storm Surge Warning:
  • Areas: Florida west coast from Flamingo northward to Anclote River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay.
  • **East coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida, to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, including the St. Johns River.
• Hurricane Warning:
  • Areas: Florida west coast from Bonita Beach northward to Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay.
  • **Florida east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach.
• Hurricane Watch:
  • Areas: Lake Okeechobee; Florida east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to the Palm Beach/Martin County Line.
• Tropical Storm Warning:
  • Areas: Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay; Lake Okeechobee; Florida west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach; Florida west coast from north of Suwannee River to Indian Pass; Florida east coast south of the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to Flamingo; North of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to Edisto Beach, South Carolina; Extreme northwestern Bahamas.

Definitions:

• Storm Surge Warning: Danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area.
• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area.

Preparation Recommendations

For Residents in Affected Areas:

1. Stay Informed:

   • Continue to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.
   • Keep aware of local emergency alerts and evacuation notices.

2. Shelter in Place:

   • Stay indoors in a secure location, preferably an interior room away from windows.
   • Do not venture outside during the storm, even if it appears calm.

3. Emergency Supplies:

   • Ensure you have essential supplies within reach: water, non-perishable food, medications, and a first-aid kit.
   • Have flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio available.

4. Safety Measures:

   • Avoid using candles to prevent fire hazards.
   • Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances to prevent power surges.

5. After the Storm:

   • Wait for official word that the storm has passed before leaving your shelter.
   • Be cautious of downed power lines, flooding, and debris.
   • Do not drive through flooded areas.

Key Messages

1. Life-Threatening Storm Surge: A large area of life-threatening storm surge is occurring along portions of the west-central coast of Florida and southwest Florida. Near the coast, the surge is accompanied by damaging waves. Water levels will remain elevated into Thursday morning.

2. Damaging Winds Inland: Damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will spread inland across portions of the central Florida Peninsula to the Florida east coast overnight and early Thursday. Residents should be prepared to take shelter in an interior room away from windows.

3. Catastrophic Flooding: Heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday continues to bring 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.

4. Limited Time to Act: If you have not secured your shelter, do so immediately. There is no longer time to evacuate safely. Stay indoors and follow instructions from local authorities.

5. Monitor Official Updates: Keep up with information from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies. Stay tuned for updates, as conditions can change rapidly.

Conclusion

Hurricane Milton is causing devastating impacts across central Florida, with life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and catastrophic flooding. Your immediate safety is paramount. Residents should stay indoors, follow all instructions from local authorities, and be prepared for prolonged hazardous conditions. Do not venture outside until officials declare it safe.

For More Information:

• National Hurricane Center: www.hurricanes.gov
• Local Weather Updates: Tune into local news stations and weather services.
• Emergency Alerts: Ensure your mobile devices are set to receive emergency notifications.
• Local Authorities: Contact your local emergency management office for information on shelters and resources.

Stay safe and take all necessary precautions as Hurricane Milton moves through your area.

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