Hurricane Milton Intensifies Into Category 3, Threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast

Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm, prompting hurricane watch and storm surge watches along Florida’s western Gulf Coast. The storm poses life-threatening risks of storm surge, destructive winds, and flooding rainfall as it approaches midweek.

“The storm will be a historic event for the west coast of Florida,” the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay stated in a Monday briefing.

Evacuation Zones in Florida: Are You in Danger?

If you live in Florida evacuation zones, particularly along the western Gulf Coast, you may be ordered to evacuate. This is a serious situation with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasting storm surges of up to 8 to 12 feet above ground level in areas like Tampa Bay. Residents in Pinellas County evacuation zones, Hillsborough County evacuation zones, and Manatee County evacuation zones should stay updated and follow Florida evacuation orders.

To check your evacuation zone, use the "Know Your Zone" tool available online, or check your local county’s official website.

When is Hurricane Milton Going to Hit Florida?

As of Monday, Hurricane Milton is 745 miles west-southwest of Tampa. It's a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 125 mph, tracking east-southeast at 8 mph. The storm is expected to impact Florida by Wednesday, bringing damaging winds and storm surge to Florida's western Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Milton Path and Map: Where Will It Make Landfall?

The exact landfall of Hurricane Milton remains uncertain, but it is projected to impact the west-central Florida Gulf Coast, including Pinellas County and possibly as far south as Fort Myers Beach. The NOAA hurricane tracker and spaghetti models are monitoring the storm’s progress. Residents should keep an eye on the Hurricane Milton tracker live to stay updated on its path.

Storm Surge Forecast :

The latest National Hurricane Center forecast calls for storm surge to be as much as 8 to 12 feet above ground level in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. Further south, surge could reach 5 to 10 feet in areas like Fort Myers Beach. Low tide is expected on Wednesday afternoon, with high tide Thursday morning, which could affect storm surge timing.

• Pinellas County: 8-12 feet storm surge
• Hillsborough County (Tampa Bay): 8-12 feet storm surge
• Manatee County: 5-10 feet storm surge
• Lee County (Fort Myers): 5-10 feet storm surge

Sandbags near me: Many counties, including Hillsborough County, are providing sandbag locations to help residents protect their homes from flooding.

Rainfall Flooding

The combination of a front already bringing rainfall to Florida and the arrival of Hurricane Milton is creating widespread flood risks. Flood watches are in effect for much of the Florida Peninsula, with the heaviest rainfall expected by midweek as the hurricane approaches. Keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center and NOAA hurricane updates for further rainfall forecasts.

Wind Damage Potential

Hurricane Milton is expected to bring damaging winds starting Wednesday, particularly in the evacuation zone where the hurricane's center makes landfall. The strongest winds, capable of structural damage and widespread power outages, will occur near the storm’s center. Areas farther from the landfall point, like Orlando, may still see significant wind gusts.

It’s crucial that hurricane preparations be completed by Tuesday evening to ensure safety. The hurricane tracker for Milton will provide updates on the storm’s peak winds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Hurricane Milton going to hit ? The storm is expected to impact Florida's west coast, with potential landfall near Tampa or further south in Fort Myers.

When will Hurricane Milton hit Florida ? The storm is forecasted to begin impacting Florida on Wednesday, with peak impacts on Wednesday night into early Thursday.

What category is Hurricane Milton ? Hurricane Milton is currently a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph.

What evacuation zones are under orders in Florida ? Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and Manatee County are among the areas that may see mandatory evacuation orders as the storm approaches. Use the Know Your Zone Florida tool to check your zone.

Where can I get live updates on Hurricane Milton ? For live updates, follow the Hurricane Milton tracker live on NOAA or the National Hurricane Center.