Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm, after going through a mind numbing rapid intensification that would have been nearly impossible in the 1900s. With sustained winds reaching 160 mph, Milton has undergone one of the 3 fastest intensifications on record and it is still getting stronger.
Major to catastrophic impacts from major hurricane force winds, storm surge and excessive rains are all but certain Wednesday all along the West Florida coast south to the Big Bend area.
The Sarasota-Tampa area will be experiencing the worst with the eye of Milton passing over within that stretch. There is still more than 48 hours to go, so adjustments to the exact location of where Milton’s eye will come ashore will continue. Errors of about 75 miles one way or another are normal at this point, so please stay focused at Milton approaches.
Do not focus on that point where the eye crosses the coast. Rather, we already know the Suncoast will be in the hurricane zone and will have major impacts.
Preparation Recommendations
Preparations should be finalized by Tuesday. Trust the experts and our community leaders. They will provide critical information regarding evacuations and shelters. Please heed their advice—it could save your life!
While Milton is currently smaller than Debby and Helene, it is expected to grow in size over the coming days as it moves northwest toward the mid-Florida west coast.
In intense hurricanes like Milton, an Eye Replacement Cycle (ERP) often occurs, where the existing eye dissipates and a new one forms.
We may see this ERP late Tuesday into Wednesday. During these cycles, winds can weaken temporarily, but the storm’s overall size increases. This suggests that Milton will likely become a large and powerful storm upon landfall, even if its peak intensity diminishes.
Storm Surge is going to be about as bad as it can get for us.
A significant portion of the mid-west Florida coast could experience storm surges of 8 to 12 feet. This will be compounded by wave action driven by hurricane-force winds. It is critical for those on the barrier islands to evacuate immediately!
Important Reminders:
- Know Your Elevation!
- Escape Routes Will Flood Before Landfall!
Stay safe and heed all warnings as Hurricane Milton approaches!
A late satellite image shows how Milton has become a near perfect hurricane signature. Note the pinpoint eye and the symmetric circularly shape. This is an energy eating monster and that is why it has intensified so quickly. It barely was a hurricane just 24 hours ago!
A very unusual path is taking shape where a storm moves across the Gulf of Mexico from west to east and over a very warm Gulf and Loop Current within the Gulf. We are not use to having storms approach the coast from this trajectory. In my view this is rather unique and dangerous at the same time!
Very High wind and wind guests are expected along the Suncoast. Many areas will see winds at or above 100 mph.
Be sure you clean your patios, move autos to higher ground, secure any loose debris. You can help insure your own safety and the safety of others!
The storm will traverse the entire state from west to east as a hurricane. This means damage will be widespread.
6 to 12 inches of rain will also be falling on very saturated grounds from over 50 inches of previous rain that has fallen this summer. Flash Flood and Flood potential is also a risk.
Fortunately there is time to prepare. It is very important that anything not securely attached be removed and put away so these objects do not become missiles in high winds.
Don’t wait to evacuate once evacuation notices are given! Remember, many of our evacuation routes have not been raised and will become flooded well before the hurricane arrives.
Know your elevation! If a 12 foot storm surge is forecast and you are at sea level then you are putting yourself in a lethal situation. Be Smart do the math!
Our communities are mobilizing. Be part of it and take the advice of officials.
Check Out The Full Front Page Article Featuring the CAC In The Sunday Herald-Tribune.
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