Hurricane Milton Intensifies into Category 3 Storm
Hurricane Milton has rapidly strengthened into a Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) 8 a.m. Monday update. The storm is currently moving at 8 mph across the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a Category 4 hurricane later today.
Milton’s Path and Impact on Florida Meteorologists caution that predicting Milton’s landfall remains challenging due to the storm’s expected wobbling approach to the Florida coastline. Southwest Florida lies within the cone of uncertainty, and residents are being urged to prepare for a significant hurricane event, expected to make landfall on Wednesday.
While Milton is expected to intensify as it moves across the Gulf, wind shear closer to the Florida coast may cause slight weakening before landfall.
Storm Surge and Wind Threats Life-threatening storm surge is expected to affect Southwest Florida starting Wednesday. Lee and Charlotte counties could see storm surges between 5 to 10 feet, while Collier County is forecast to experience 4 to 7 feet. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to heed evacuation orders and move to safer locations inland.
Although Hurricane Milton is not as large as Helene, with a tropical storm-force wind field of approximately 325 miles, the storm remains formidable. Maximum winds will only affect a small area of the storm, but those caught in its path can expect severe damage.
Preparing for Milton’s Landfall With landfall expected on Wednesday, Southwest Florida residents have Monday and Tuesday to finalize their preparations or evacuate if instructed by local authorities. The forward motion of the storm at landfall is estimated to be 14-15 mph, faster than Hurricane Ian but slower than Hurricane Helene.
Officials are urging everyone in the storm’s path to review and activate their hurricane plans immediately.
