Hurricane Milton - Oct 10 - Post-Tropical

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Overview

Milton has transitioned into a powerful post-tropical cyclone but continues to produce hurricane-force winds. While the storm is moving away from the southeastern U.S. coast, tropical storm conditions and storm surge are still occurring over portions of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant and exercise caution, especially in the aftermath of the storm where hazards such as downed power lines and flooding persist.

Current Status

• Location: Approximately 200 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and about 200 miles north of Great Abaco Island.
• Coordinates: Latitude 29.3° North, Longitude 77.5° West
• Movement: East-northeast at 21 mph
• Maximum Sustained Winds: 75 mph (hurricane-force extratropical storm)
• Minimum Central Pressure: 983 millibars

Forecast Track

Milton is expected to continue moving east-northeastward today, turning eastward later today and continuing this motion over the western Atlantic for the next few days. The storm is moving away from the U.S. coastline and is expected to pass north of the northwestern Bahamas this afternoon.

Intensity Forecast

• Current Strength: Milton is now a hurricane-force extratropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
• Future Strength: Gradual weakening is expected over the next several days as the storm moves further into the Atlantic.
• Structure: The strongest winds are located northwest of the center due to the storm's extratropical transition.

Expected Impacts

Southeastern U.S. Coast (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina)

• Storm Surge:
  • Potential Heights: 3 to 5 feet above ground level from the Flagler/Volusia County Line in Florida northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, including the St. Johns River.
  • Affected Areas: Coastal flooding is ongoing and will continue through this afternoon.
• Wind:
  • Tropical Storm Conditions: Expected to continue within the warning areas in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina for the next few hours.
• Rainfall:
  • Amounts: Additional amounts of around 1 inch possible along the northeastern coast of Florida.
  • Flooding Risks: Considerable urban flooding may linger through this afternoon across east central Florida. Moderate to major river flooding is ongoing and forecast throughout central Florida.
• Surf and Rip Currents: Swells generated by Milton are expected to continue affecting portions of the southeast U.S. coast and the Bahamas during the next couple of days, likely causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Bahamas

• Conditions: The Tropical Storm Warning for the extreme northwestern Bahamas has been discontinued. Conditions are improving.

Watches and Warnings

United States

• Storm Surge Warning:
  • Areas: Flagler/Volusia County Line, Florida, northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, including the St. Johns River.
• Tropical Storm Warning:
  • Areas: Flagler/Volusia County Line northward to Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

Definitions:

• Storm Surge Warning: There is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area.

Safety Recommendations

1. Stay Informed:

   • Continue to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.
   • Be aware of any additional warnings or advisories.

2. Exercise Caution After the Storm:

   • Avoid Flooded Areas: Do not walk or drive through flooded areas; water may be deeper than it appears and contain hidden hazards.
   • Downed Power Lines: Stay away from downed or damaged power lines and report them to the utility company immediately.
   • Generator Safety: If using a generator, ensure it is properly ventilated and placed outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
   • Debris and Damage: Be cautious when inspecting your property for damage. Wear protective clothing and be careful with chainsaws and power tools.
   • Heat Exhaustion: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during cleanup efforts.

3. Flood Safety:

   • Follow guidance from local officials regarding river flooding.
   • Be prepared for potential evacuation if floodwaters continue to rise.

Key Messages

1. Storm Surge Threat Continues: A Storm Surge Warning remains in effect for portions of the east coast of Florida and southern coast of Georgia. Storm surge inundation will continue in these areas through this afternoon.

2. Tropical Storm Conditions Persist: Tropical storm conditions will continue along portions of the southeast U.S. coast through this afternoon.

3. Flooding Risks Remain: In the wake of heavy rainfall from Milton, the risk of considerable urban flooding will linger through this afternoon across east central Florida. Moderate to major river flooding is ongoing and forecast throughout central Florida.

4. Exercise Caution Post-Storm: Deadly hazards remain, including downed power lines and flooded areas. Ensure generators are properly ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Be careful when cleaning up storm damage.

5. Stay Informed: Continue to monitor official updates and follow guidance from local authorities. Changes in conditions can occur, and additional warnings may be issued.

Conclusion

While Milton has moved away from the U.S. coastline, it continues to impact the southeastern states with storm surge, winds, and lingering flooding. Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant, exercise caution, and follow all instructions from local authorities. Your safety and the safety of your community are the top priorities.

For More Information:

• National Hurricane Center: www.hurricanes.gov
• Local Weather Updates: Tune into local news stations and weather services.
• Emergency Services: Contact your local emergency management office for assistance and information.
• Safety Tips: Visit Ready.gov for post-storm safety guidelines.

Stay safe and take all necessary precautions as the effects of Post-Tropical Cyclone Milton continue.

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