2. The National Hurricane Service just reported that Milton is now a category 5 storm with sustained winds of up to 160 mph.
...MILTON RAPIDLY INTENSIFIES INTO A CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE...
Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Milton has strengthened to a category 5. The max sustained winds are estimated to be 160 mph with higher gusts. https://t.co/dv1LkCViaNpic.twitter.com/zUwi2CNJhi — National Hurricane Center (@NWSNHC) October 7, 2024
3. The storm went from a tropical storm to a category 5 hurricane in 24 hours. As storm chaser Colin McCarthy said, "Hurricane Milton will go down in history."
From Tropical Storm to Category 5 Hurricane in 24 hours.
4. Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci pointed out how wild this intensification is, "Milton is a Category 5 hurricane with winds up to 160 mph. That is a 70 mph uptick in barely 13 hours – nearly quadrupling the rate of strengthening needed for 'rapid intensification.'"
BREAKING: Milton is a Category 5 hurricane with winds up to 160 mph.
That is a 70 mph uptick in barely 13 hours – nearly quadrupling the rate of strengthening needed for "rapid intensification."
6. Meteorologist Philip Klotzbach also points out that Hurricane Milton is one of only two October category 5 hurricanes to develop in the Gulf of Mexico since 1966.
#Milton is now a Category 5 #hurricane with max winds of 160 mph. Milton joins Michael as the only October Category 5 hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in the satellite era (1966-onwards). pic.twitter.com/fxCNGyXykr — Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) October 7, 2024
7. The exact track of the storm is still uncertain, but all eyes are on Florida. Meteorologist Chandler Pruett posted this risk map based on National Weather Service information:
UPDATE: Composite Risk Map (courtesy of @NWS' HTI graphics) extends the regions of worst hazards (pink and red) far inland. #Parkland is now under 4/4 risk due to #wind! South and Southwest #Florida are now completely under 3/4 risk due to #flooding. #StormSurge threat remains!! pic.twitter.com/tbfwx3rsNh — Chandler Pruett (@chanchanWXman) October 7, 2024
8. The National Weather Service says Milton has the potential to be the "worst storm to impact the Tampa area in 100 years."
10/07/24 11am Major Hurricane Milton Update ⚠️Now a Category 5 Hurricane ⚠️If the storm stays on the current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years. ⚠️Please evacuate if told to do so. ⚠️Complete all prep before tomorrow night. #flwxpic.twitter.com/Cq9tJsfr2A — NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) October 7, 2024
9. Storm surge is forecasted to be 8–12 feet from Wednesday into Thursday.
The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center projects 8-12 feet of storm surge Wed-Thurs. Life-threatening storm surge impacts and even flooding in more inland areas is expected based on this forecast. Shelters open at noon today for voluntary evacuations. /1 pic.twitter.com/dX0A1LjVSK — Pinellas County (@PinellasGov) October 7, 2024
10. This map from the National Weather Service shows what storm surge of 8–12 feet could look like:
Storm surge can cause major damage to your home and pose a significant threat for drownings - making it one of the greatest threats to life and property. Evacuate immediately if told to do so. If not told to evacuate, stay away from and never drive through floodwaters. #Miltonpic.twitter.com/LBcjPajOoj — National Weather Service (@NWS) October 7, 2024
11. The Weather Channel meteorologist Greg Postel shared this picture of the lightning around the eye, saying Milton has the potential to strengthen even more.
13. In response to the news, Floridians are already taking precautions.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach has issued a Mandatory Evacuation for the entire Island.
We encourage residents and business owners to make a plan, to be evacuated by 3:00pm, on Monday, October 7, 2024. pic.twitter.com/g2mEa05RSU — TownofFortMyersBeach (@TownofFMB) October 6, 2024
14. The Tampa International Airport has announced it will close on 9 a.m. Tuesday.
🚨 TPA TO CLOSE DUE TO MILTON 🚨⁰ 🛑 We will suspend flight operations at 9 a.m. Tuesday and reopen when safe to do so⁰⁰✈️ Check directly with your airline for flight updates⁰⁰⛈️ TPA is not a shelter for people or vehicles⁰⁰📲 Stay tuned to our social media for more info pic.twitter.com/G4UxrR0BpP — Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) October 7, 2024
15. Tropicana Field in Tampa is looking like this:
This is currently Tropicana field. The national guard and lineman are gearing up. Thank you @GovRonDeSantis for your leadership during this time. pic.twitter.com/WpztIfzvHF — Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) October 7, 2024