Milton strengthens into a major Category 3 Hurricane, latest forecast, projections

Jacksonville, Fla. — Update: The National Hurricane Center has upgraded Milton to a Category 3 “major” hurricane, with maximum sustained winds increased to 120 mph. This marks the second upgrade of Milton since midnight.

More local impact details on Milton in “Talking the Tropics with Mike.”

Original: Hurricane Milton is gaining strength over the southern Gulf of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h). Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches have been issued for portions of Florida, with the storm expected to impact the west coast by midweek.

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Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma | Trevor Gibbs

Watches and Warnings Issued

• Hurricane Warning: Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Celestun to Rio Lagartos
  
• Hurricane Watch: Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from Rio Lagartos to Cabo CatocheFlorida Gulf coast from Chokoloskee to the Suwannee River mouth, including Tampa Bay and the Dry Tortugas
  
• Storm Surge Watch: Florida Gulf coast from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
  
• Tropical Storm Warning: Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from Rio Lagartos to Cancun
  
• Tropical Storm Watch: Florida Gulf coast from Flamingo to south of ChokoloskeeFlorida Gulf coast north of the Suwannee River mouth to Indian PassLower, Middle, and Upper Florida Keys, including Florida Bay

Hurricane Milton - Latest Projections

Hurricane Milton is moving east-southeast and is expected to turn east and northeast by Tuesday and Wednesday. On its current path, Milton will approach the west coast of Florida by Wednesday. The storm is forecast to intensify into a major hurricane later today.

More local impact details on Milton in “Talking the Tropics with Mike.”

Read: Gov. DeSantis warns Floridians to prepare for ‘a lot of power outages’ ahead of Hurricane Milton

Hazards Affecting Land

• Storm Surge: A life-threatening storm surge is expected along the Florida Gulf coast, especially from Anclote River to Englewood and in Tampa Bay. Water levels could rise 8-12 feet in these areas if peak surge coincides with high tide. Dangerous and destructive waves will accompany the surge.
• Expected surge heights:
• Anclote River to Englewood: 8-12 ft
• Tampa Bay: 8-12 ft
• Yankeetown to Anclote River: 5-10 ft
• Englewood to Bonita Beach: 5-10 ft
• Charlotte Harbor: 5-10 ft
• Bonita Beach to Chokoloskee: 4-7 ft
• Suwannee River to Yankeetown: 3-5 ft
• Rainfall: Heavy rain will accompany Milton, with 5-10 inches expected across portions of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys through Wednesday. Localized totals could reach 15 inches, bringing the risk of flash, urban, and river flooding.
• Rainfall totals:
• Florida Peninsula & Keys: 5-10 inches, up to 15 inches in isolated areas
• Northern Yucatan Peninsula: 2-4 inches
• Winds: Hurricane conditions are expected in the Yucatan Peninsula today and could reach parts of the Florida Gulf coast by Wednesday. Tropical storm-force winds will extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 25 miles (35 km).
• Surf: Swells generated by Milton will affect the Gulf Coast, causing dangerous surf and rip current conditions. Coastal residents and beachgoers are urged to stay vigilant.

Preparations

Residents along the Florida Gulf Coast should complete their storm preparations as soon as possible. Pay attention to local evacuation orders, especially in areas under Hurricane or Storm Surge Watches. Conditions are expected to deteriorate by Wednesday as Milton nears Florida.

Stay tuned for updates as Milton continues to strengthen, and further watches and warnings may be issued later today.

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Read: Hurricane Milton: Local closings, cancellations, resources

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