The National Weather Service (NWS) of the United States has taken to social media to outline the anticipated effects of the formidable Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida, starting on Wednesday. Through a detailed thread on the social platform X, the meteorological organization highlights crucial actions to be taken as this tropical cyclone nears and eventually makes landfall, underscoring the vast reach of this weather system.
The NWS warns that "floodwaters of 10 feet or more are expected along sections of the central-west coast of the Florida peninsula." Residents in the storm surge warning area are advised that their safety is in jeopardy and they should evacuate immediately. "Waiting until Wednesday to leave might not be an option," the agency cautions, emphasizing the swiftly deteriorating weather conditions anticipated in the coming hours.
Devastating hurricane-force winds are expected across parts of Florida's west coast. "Milton is forecasted to remain a hurricane as it traverses the Florida peninsula, with potentially deadly hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, likely to extend inland," the NWS reports.
Preparation Urged as Hurricane Milton Approaches
Weather authorities stress the urgency of completing preparations to protect lives and property and to brace for prolonged power outages by tonight. They note that Milton will linger in Florida through Thursday, bringing heavy rain that poses a risk of life-threatening flash floods and urban flooding, in addition to moderate to major river flooding, particularly in areas where coastal and inland flooding converge, heightening the overall flood threat.
With large-scale evacuations anticipated, Floridians have already started taking precautions as this powerful storm draws near. Major population centers like Tampa and Orlando are at risk of being severely impacted, with widespread flooding predicted across the state.
On Tuesday, Hurricane Milton, which reached Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale on Monday, downgraded to Category 4, yet it remains a serious threat to Florida. The state is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, which resulted in over 200 fatalities and significant destruction.
According to the AP, the hurricane's center may make landfall on Wednesday in the Tampa Bay area and could maintain its hurricane strength as it moves across central Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean. This path largely spares other states severely impacted by Hurricane Helene.