Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, is already wreaking havoc in Cuba with initial flooding reported in Surgidero de Batabanó in Mayabeque province. According to the pro-government site, Cubadebate, Yuniasky Crespo Baquero, the first secretary of the Communist Party in the area, warned the public on Facebook: "Stay alert to Milton, water has started entering Surgidero," highlighting the early impact of the powerful storm.
Recently, the island's Institute of Meteorology (Insmet) cautioned about increasing wind speeds, expected to reach between 15 and 25 miles per hour, with gusts up to 31 miles per hour in areas like Pinar del Río, where conditions are anticipated to worsen later in the day. Authorities are also predicting strong waves along the southern coast of the western region, intensifying overnight on Tuesday, particularly in southern Isla de la Juventud and Pinar del Río, where swells are expected. Coastal flooding has already begun from Pinar to Mayabeque provinces and is forecasted to extend to the northern coast, including Havana’s Malecón, starting Wednesday.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant with the changing weather conditions and adhere to guidance from officials to ensure their safety.
As Hurricane Milton progresses through the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida, USA, the rains on Monday resulted in flooding in parts of Hialeah, particularly at the Holiday Acres trailer park on 14th Avenue and 25th Street West. The potential scenario once Milton makes landfall, likely on Wednesday evening, raises concerns for residents there, who, despite frequent flooding, always fear the worst.
Anticipating the Impact in Florida
Milton remains a major hurricane and is expected to expand in size as it approaches Florida's west coast, as noted by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in their latest bulletin. "Today is the final full day for Florida residents to secure their homes and families and evacuate if required by local authorities," the U.S. meteorological agency advised.
Changes in the NHC's bulletin 14 include extending the storm surge warning south along Florida's east coast to Port Canaveral. A tropical storm alert has also been issued for the northwest Bahamas, covering Grand Bahama, the Abacos, and Bimini.
There is a threat of dangerous sea level rises ranging from 2 to 15 feet in different parts of Florida's coast, with large destructive waves. Rainfall is expected to accumulate between 5 and 12 inches in central and northern Florida, with localized totals up to 18 inches, potentially causing hazardous flash and urban flooding.
Hurricane conditions are forecasted in Florida from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Milton-generated swells will impact much of the Gulf Coast, with potentially deadly surf and rip currents.
The primary recommendation is to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through local National Weather Service offices or the updates from your national meteorological service.