🚨#BREAKING: Hurricane Milton, now an extremely powerful Category 5 storm, has become one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded, with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph. pic.twitter.com/JrGWujTcWt
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) October 7, 2024
Rapid Intensification and Unprecedented Strength
Milton intensified explosively in just over 24 hours, gaining around 95 mph in wind speed and recording a pressure reading of 897 millibars. This places the hurricane among the top four most powerful U.S. hurricanes since 1979, according to hurricane expert Phil Klotzbach. The record-high sea surface temperatures in the Gulf, driven in part by climate change, have fueled Milton’s rapid growth, making it the strongest hurricane in the Gulf since Hurricane Rita in 2005.
The storm’s winds have also set new records for the Gulf of Mexico, with no other hurricane this late in the year reaching such high wind speeds. These factors place Hurricane Milton in the top 10 most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record.
Catastrophic Storm Surge Expected
Along with its dangerous winds, Milton is forecast to bring a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet along Florida’s western coast. This could exceed the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which hit the state just two weeks earlier. Areas between the Anclote River and Englewood, including Tampa Bay, are most at risk. Other regions, such as Cape Coral, may experience storm surges of 6 to 10 feet.
Storm surge isn’t the only hazard; excessive rainfall is expected to cause flooding even before Milton hits. The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton could maintain hurricane strength as it crosses the Florida Peninsula and enters the Atlantic, resulting in significant damage.
Florida Prepares for Impact: Evacuations and Closures
Preparations are underway as Floridians brace for Milton’s arrival. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties, including barrier islands and mobile home communities. Schools, universities, and airports have closed, and debris removal continues statewide after Hurricane Helene’s damage.
Local businesses in affected areas are also taking precautions. In Sarasota, store owners are boarding up windows and moving merchandise out of harm’s way. In Fort Myers, crews have been working non-stop to secure properties, and residents are rushing to stock up on emergency supplies.
President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration for Florida, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also issued emergency declarations for 51 counties, emphasizing the need for immediate action to clear debris before Milton’s landfall.
Residents Urged to Heed Warnings
With power outages, downed trees, and flooding expected, officials are urging residents to evacuate if ordered and to prepare for days without power. FEMA has emphasized that the time to act is now, with the storm rapidly approaching and posing a severe threat to life and property.
In the face of this unprecedented hurricane season, residents like John and Rhonda Keigher of Madeira Beach are once again evacuating. After losing their home to Hurricane Helene, they are determined to protect the few belongings that survived, while others, like City Council member Patty Sheehan, urge residents to prepare their homes and stay informed.
With Milton forecast to make landfall on Wednesday, millions remain under flood and tornado watches. As the storm barrels toward Florida, residents and tourists alike are preparing for a potentially historic hurricane that could leave lasting devastation across the state.
