Hurricane Milton Category 3 strikes Florida

Hurricane Milton Category 3 strikes Florida

Hurricane Milton, which had strengthened to a Category 3 storm with 125-mph sustained winds as it crossed the Gulf of Mexico. Across Florida’s western coast, preparations remained underway as the region braced for potentially record-breaking levels of storm surge, heavy rainfall and powerful winds. Residents are preparing for Hurricane Irma and the National Hurricane Center have issued a variety of watches, warnings.

Milton Expected to Become a Category 4

Milton is expected to gain additional strength, possibly maxing out at a Category 4 — with wind speeds ranging from 130-156 mph — by the end of the day Monday. While it may be slightly weaker by then, Milton is still forecast to hit Florida as a “prehistoric and powerful” hurricane.

National Hurricane Center specialist Jack Beven said portions of the western Florida coast are likely to suffer severe damage from storm surges, rain and wind. Areas already soaked by rain could see 5-10 inches, with isolated communities getting up to 15 inches of rain.

Tampa Faces Storm Surge, Flooding Risks

It is here that the worst of the storm surge is expected to develop, with forecasts calling for water levels to rise by 8–12 feet in some areas near Tampa and points north. Hurricane Helene hit the area less than two weeks ago, with even more damage being done by the debris and flooding to come. Those debris could be shielded with wise projectiles during Milton’s high winds.

Ahead of Milton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stressed the immediate need to clear debris: “What’s going to happen with all that debris? It’s going to skyrocket the damage. More than 800 National Guard personnel are already on the ground to assist as crews work around the clock.

Evacuations Throughout Several Counties

Sunday, with evacuations starting Monday for Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties. In good news, you need to listen and evacuate because if not, I don’t want another crown on Helene, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri of Pinellas County told residents around St. Petersburg. More than 6,600 hospital patients and nursing home residents have already been moved.

Guthrie added that the state is gearing up for one its largest evacuations since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which sent over 6 million residents of Florida running.

Double Hurricanes Bring Destruction

Weather Tiger Chief Meteorologist Ryan Truchelut likened back-to-back punches from Helene and then Milton to one of Florida’s worst hurricane double-shot batterings on record. He cautioned that Milton will be dangerous regardless of landfall as its effects would be “much more widespread over” the Florida Peninsula.

Truchelut summed up the feeling of exhaustion across the area stating, “Bottom line is nothing good is going on with Milton today. We’re all exhausted already. You are, I am.”

Florida on High Alert

Desantis has put all disaster management teams on standby and assigned more National Guard troops. As Milton threatens, Floridians should plan for emergency conditions, adhere to evacuation orders and remain vigilant with local notices.