The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Wednesday that hurricane-strength winds are lashing Florida's Gulf Coast. Gusts reaching up to 77 mph (124 km/h) have been recorded at the entrance to Tampa Bay, with sustained winds of 58 mph (93 km/h).
On social media platform X, the NHC noted that St. Petersburg's Albert Whitted Airport experienced gusts of 66 mph (106 km/h), highlighting the intensifying impact of the cyclone in the area.
Torrential Rains and Storm Surges
The monitoring center emphasized that heavy rains are currently affecting central Florida's peninsula. It warned that dangerous storm surges, destructive winds, and torrential downpours are expected to persist through the night across parts of central and southwest Florida.
Hurricane Milton's Path and Impact
The system is advancing northeast at 15 mph (24 km/h), maintaining maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (205 km/h). This continues to pose a significant threat to coastal communities throughout the region.
In an earlier bulletin, the NHC cautioned that although Hurricane Milton has weakened to a category 3 storm, with sustained winds of 124 mph (200 km/h), it remains a powerful and destructive cyclone.
Potential Tornado Warnings
The NHC also disclosed on X that multiple tornado warnings have been issued, potentially impacting the Florida peninsula. This underscores the critical nature of the situation as Hurricane Milton continues its onslaught.
Prominent meteorologist John Morales commented on X that Milton might be starting to weaken: "Beginning of its terminal weakening phase. Minimum barometric pressure rising quickly."
... News in development ...