Hurricane Milton continues to move through Florida bringing dangerous winds and flooding

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – Hurricane Milton hit the Florida Gulf coast just south of Tampa at about 8:30 p.m., bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and a risky storm surge.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says that data from Hurricane Hunter planes, Doppler radar, and ground reports show that Milton had maximum sustained winds of about 120 mph when it made landfall. Since then, they say that its winds have decreased a bit to around 105 mph as it moved further into Central Florida.

According to the NHC, the Florida Peninsula is facing strong hurricane winds as the storm moves east-northeast at 16 mph. They say that there are many reports of damaging winds throughout the area, and inland regions are also feeling the effects. The National Weather Service has noted rainfall rates reaching 5.09 inches per hour in St. Petersburg, which raises worries about flash flooding.

They say that Milton is likely to stay a hurricane as it goes through Florida, but it will weaken after moving out to sea. Experts predict the storm will fade away in about four days due to cooler waters and less supportive weather conditions.

Key Threats and Warnings

Storm Surge: A large area of life-threatening storm surge is impacting the west-central coast of the Florida Peninsula and parts of southwest Florida. Coastal residents are being warned of dangerous waves and elevated water levels, which are expected to persist into Thursday morning.
Damaging Winds: Hurricane-force winds are spreading inland across central Florida, with damaging gusts expected to reach the east coast by early Thursday. Authorities urge residents to take shelter in interior rooms and stay away from windows as conditions worsen.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Torrential rains are causing catastrophic flash flooding across the state, with urban areas and rivers at high risk. With some regions experiencing a combination of coastal and inland flooding, moderate to major river flooding is likely, further exacerbating the situation.

Visit the 352today Hurricane Weather Center to track Milton’s latest trajectory, learn how to prepare, and find important resources including sandbag and shelter locations. Stay connected with us for real-time updates and tips to keep you and your family safe.

Download our app for important updates on Milton before, during, and after the storm.

Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday evening, bringing strong winds and heavy rain as a fierce Category 3 storm.

The storm hit Siesta Key at 8:30 p.m. with sustained winds of 120 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). It became a Category 5 hurricane two times, driven by very warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, before losing some strength just before making landfall.

Milton made landfall, causing a dangerous storm surge, strong winds, and a high chance of serious flooding in many parts of the state, according to the NHC. The Gulf Coast, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Fort Myers, faced the worst of the storm. The NHC states that the storm surge and heavy rainfall endangered millions.

By just after 9 p.m., more than 800,000 customers were left without electricity, as reported by PowerOutages.us. The outages mainly affected the western coast, where the storm made landfall, and spread into central Florida. Along with the power loss, tornadoes generated by the storm’s rain bands caused additional damage in the state’s interior, according to the National Weather Service.

Although the storm is losing strength as it goes inland, hazardous conditions are likely to continue overnight.

Download our app for important updates on Milton before, during, and after the storm.

Updated on 10.09.24 at 7:31 p.m.: At 7 p.m. the National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that the northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton began to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast, affecting the densely populated areas of Tampa and St. Petersburg.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Wind Warning for the region, urging residents to shelter in place immediately as the hurricane’s most dangerous winds begin to impact the coastline.

According to recent observations by the NHC, the storm is already bringing hurricane-force winds to the area. They say that a WeatherFlow station at Egmont Channel recorded sustained winds of 61 mph with gusts reaching 77 mph. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport reported sustained winds of 44 mph with gusts also peaking at 77 mph. Additionally, at the Skyway Fishing Pier, a WeatherFlow station measured sustained winds of 55 mph and gusts of up to 71 mph.

CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Hurricane Warning:

Citrus County
Hernando County
Lake County
Levy County
Marion County
Sumter County

Tropical Storm Warning:

Alachua County
Dixie County
Gilchrist County

Tornado Watch:

Hernando County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.
Lake County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.
Sumter County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.

Flood Watch:

Alachua County, until Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.
Citrus County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Hernando County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Lake County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Levy County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Marion County, until Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.
Sumter County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m

Flash Flood Warning:

Marion County until 11:45 p.m.
Southeastern Alachua County until 11:45 p.m.
West Central Putnam County until 11:45 p.m.

The NHC says that the wind speeds show just how serious Hurricane Milton is, and it is expected to cause major damage to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Authorities are advising all residents in the path of the storm to stay indoors, avoid traveling, and follow all emergency guidelines. Milton is expected to continue pushing inland, with wind and rain intensifying through the night.

Download our app for important updates on Milton before, during, and after the storm.

Updated on 10.09.24 at 5:59 p.m.: Hurricane Milton is approaching the west-central coast of Florida, bringing the risk of devastating winds, storm surge, and flooding.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says that radar images from Tampa and Key West show that Milton is a “sheared” hurricane, with heavy rain concentrated north of its center, while its southern side remains more open. This structure was confirmed by an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft, which reported that Milton’s minimum pressure has risen to 948 mb, with wind speeds estimated at 120 mph.

Milton is moving northeast at around 15 mph and is expected to slow down slightly, with the center predicted to pass near or just south of Tampa Bay later this evening, says the NHC. After crossing central Florida, the storm will likely shift east-northeast over the Atlantic. The hurricane is expected to be near major hurricane strength as it reaches Florida’s coast tonight.

CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Hurricane Warning:

Citrus County
Hernando County
Lake County
Levy County
Marion County
Sumter County

Tropical Storm Warning:

Alachua County
Dixie County
Gilchrist County

Tornado Watch:

Hernando County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.
Lake County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.
Sumter County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.

Flood Watch:

Alachua County, until Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.
Citrus County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Hernando County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Lake County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Levy County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Marion County, until Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.
Sumter County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m

Flash Flood Warning:

Marion County until 11:45 p.m.
Southeastern Alachua County until 11:45 p.m.
West Central Putnam County until 11:45 p.m.

Milton has grown in size, with strong winds extending well beyond the center, especially to the northwest. According to the NHC, this means that damaging winds and dangerous storm surge are likely across a wide area, regardless of where exactly the storm makes landfall. The highest storm surge, potentially over 10 feet, is expected along the west-central Florida coast, says the NHC.

Key Takeaways

Life-Threatening Storm Surge: Surge heights could exceed 10 feet in some areas of the west-central Florida coast. Dangerous waves will accompany the surge, with water levels rising rapidly as Milton makes landfall.
Devastating Winds: Hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will hit parts of the Florida coast tonight and continue inland across the peninsula. Residents in the warning area should take shelter in an interior room, away from windows.
Tornado Risk: Strong tornadoes may develop across the southern and central parts of the Florida Peninsula. Stay alert for tornado warnings and be prepared to take immediate shelter.
Severe Flooding: Heavy rainfall will bring a high risk of flash flooding, with urban and river flooding possible throughout Thursday. Coastal areas will experience an increased flood threat as storm surge combines with inland flooding.

Download our app for important updates on Milton before, during, and after the storm.

Updated on 10.09.24 at 3:30 p.m: As Hurricane Milton closes in on Florida’s west coast, multiple tornado warnings have been issued across the Florida peninsula. Residents are urged to take immediate shelter in interior rooms away from windows and flood-prone areas if a tornado warning is issued in their vicinity.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says that tropical-storm-force winds have already started impacting the west coast, with the storm now just 150 miles southwest of Tampa. Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 130 mph, is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall to central and southwestern Florida, states the NHC. A storm surge warning is in effect from Flamingo to Yankeetown, including Tampa Bay, with potential surge heights of up to 10 feet.

In addition to the hurricane warnings covering much of the state, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple tornado watches and warnings that are likely to expand as the storm progresses. The NWS urges residents in areas under a storm surge warning to follow evacuation orders from local officials, as water levels are expected to rise quickly.

CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Hurricane Warning:

Citrus County
Hernando County
Lake County
Levy County
Marion County
Sumter County

Tropical Storm Warning:

Alachua County
Dixie County
Gilchrist County

Tornado Watch:

Hernando County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.
Lake County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.
Sumter County, Oct. 9 until 9 p.m.

Flood Watch:

Alachua County, until Oct. 10 at 10 p.m.
Citrus County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Hernando County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Lake County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Levy County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Marion County, until Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.
Sumter County, until Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.

The NHC forecasts Milton to make landfall on the west-central coast of Florida tonight before crossing the peninsula and moving into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday. Heavy rainfall is expected to cause flash flooding, with rainfall amounts reaching up to 18 inches in some areas.

Florida’s Gulf Coast is already seeing the effects of the storm, and the NHC has warned that hurricane conditions will worsen tonight. The storm is predicted to remain a dangerous hurricane through Thursday.

Download our app for important updates on Milton before, during, and after the storm.

Updated on Oct. 9 at 11:30 a.m.: Hurricane Milton’s structure is beginning to deteriorate as it encounters strong southwesterly shear, with winds reaching around 6 mph, according to the University of Wisconsin-CIMSS.

The storm’s cloud cover is now uneven, with dry air moving into the western part, creating a cloud-filled eye. Hurricane Hunters from NOAA and the Air Force Reserve have observed that the eye is now exposed to the south, and Milton’s central pressure has increased to 931 mb. The sustained winds have dropped to about 145 mph.

Despite this weakening, Hurricane Milton is still projected to make landfall as a Category 3 or 4 hurricane within the next 12 hours, bringing life-threatening storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rainfall to Florida’s west-central and southwest coasts. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Milton will continue to lose strength after landfall but may remain a hurricane as it moves off the east coast of Florida on Thursday.

Milton’s wind field is likely to grow this evening as it interacts with a frontal system. This will lead to strong winds reaching far from the storm’s center, especially north of where it makes landfall. There is still some uncertainty about where Milton will land, and any changes could affect storm surge levels in the Tampa Bay area and further.

A severe storm surge, reaching over 10 feet in some places, is predicted for Florida’s west-central coast, according to NHC. People in areas under storm surge warnings should evacuate right away, as the chance to leave safely is quickly disappearing. Along with the storm surge, strong hurricane winds and heavy rain will lead to major damage and could cause serious flash flooding throughout Florida’s peninsula.

Floridians are urged to finalize preparations for long-duration power outages, severe flooding, and dangerous winds, as Hurricane Milton bears down on the state.

Key Messages:

Life-threatening storm surges of over 10 feet are anticipated along portions of Florida’s west-central coast. If local officials have issued evacuation orders, residents should evacuate now to ensure safety.
Hurricane-force winds will impact large portions of Florida’s west coast and may extend inland as Milton crosses the peninsula. Preparations to protect life and property should be completed urgently.
Heavy rainfall through Thursday will bring severe flooding risks across the Florida Peninsula, with potential for catastrophic flash floods and major river flooding, especially where coastal and inland flooding overlap.

Download our app for important updates on Milton before, during, and after the storm.

Updated 10.09.24 at 8:37 a.m.: Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, is currently churning northeast over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico at a speed of 16 mph.

Packing sustained winds of 155 mph, the hurricane is forecast to approach Florida’s west coast by late this evening, bringing life-threatening conditions to the region. It is currently about 380 miles south-southwest of Ocala.

Milton is expected to maintain its strength as it crosses the Florida Peninsula late tonight through Thursday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Residents of northeast Florida are bracing for hurricane-force winds, storm surges, and flooding rainfall.

Winds and Storm Surge Threat

Tropical storm-force winds are expected to reach northeast Florida by later this morning. The storm is predicted to bring sustained winds across the region, with frequent hurricane-force gusts expected along the northeast Florida coast and the St. Johns River basin.

Dangerous storm surge is anticipated, with coastal areas from northeast Florida forecast to see water levels rise between 3 and 5 feet. In the St. Johns River basin, surges could reach 2 to 4 feet, causing dangerous flooding.

Tornadoes and Rainfall

The NHC is expecting possible isolated tornadoes to form within the hurricane’s outer rainbands starting this evening and continuing into Thursday morning. Areas under particular threat include Marion, Putnam, Flagler, and St. Johns counties.

Milton is expected to bring torrential rainfall, states the NHC, adding that totals of 5 to 10 inches are forecast for areas including Marion, Putnam, Flagler, and St. Johns counties. Locally higher amounts are possible. The rest of northeast Florida may see between 2 to 6 inches of rain, heightening the risk of flash flooding due to already saturated ground.

Significant Potential Impacts

Winds: Damaging winds could lead to widespread power outages, with structural damage to roofs, windows, and mobile homes. Fallen trees and debris could make some roads impassable.
Storm Surge: Life-threatening surge levels could result in widespread flooding along coastal areas and around the St. Johns River. Beaches could suffer major erosion, with the potential for damage to marinas and docks.
Flooding: Flash flooding could cause major road closures and lead to evacuations. Rivers may overflow, threatening homes and infrastructure in low-lying areas.

Preparing for Impact

Residents in affected areas are urged to stay in shelters and follow local emergency management guidance. Those in low-lying areas should be prepared to evacuate if ordered. Emergency services have cautioned that impacts may be felt far inland, with severe flooding, road closures, and dangerous wind conditions likely to affect large portions of the state.

Now is the time to finalize storm preparations, secure properties, and get access to emergency alerts and updates as Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida.

Download our app for important updates on Milton before, during, and after the storm.

Original story posted 10.09.24 at 5:38 a.m.: Milton picked up speed again overnight with landfall expected late tonight.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says that Hurricane Milton remains a powerful Category 5 storm as it moves through the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. With wind speeds of 160 mph and a minimum pressure of 907 mb, Milton is one of the strongest hurricanes in recent years. The NHS says that the storm’s wind field is expanding, and areas of heavy rain are already impacting parts of southwestern and west-central Florida.

The NHC states that Milton is moving northeastward at 14 mph and is expected to make landfall in Florida late tonight or early Thursday morning. After making landfall, the hurricane will move across the state and exit into the Atlantic by Thursday afternoon. The NHC says that some weakening is expected, but Milton will still be a dangerous hurricane as it crosses Florida.

If you live along the Florida Gulf Coast the NHC urges you to complete their storm preparations, as damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall are expected to cause severe flooding and property damage. Emergency officials are urging residents in affected areas to evacuate if instructed to do so.

Key Messages:

A large region on the west-central coast of Florida is likely to face a severe storm surge, with flooding of 10 feet or higher. If you are in the Storm Surge Warning area, this is very dangerous, and you should leave right away if local officials tell you to.
Strong winds from the hurricane, which can cause major damage, are expected in parts of Florida’s west coast, where a Hurricane Warning is active. Milton is expected to stay a hurricane as it moves across the Florida Peninsula, bringing dangerous gusts further inland. It is crucial to complete urgent preparations to safeguard lives and property, including getting ready for long power outages, right away.
Heavy rain in Florida until Thursday is likely to cause dangerous flash flooding and urban flooding, as well as moderate to severe river flooding. The risk of serious flooding will increase in places where coastal and inland waters meet.

Download our app for important updates on Milton before, during, and after the storm.