Hurricane Milton has escalated to a powerful Category 5 storm on Monday, boasting persistent winds of 180 mph as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward an expected devastating landfall along Florida’s already damaged western coastline on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center reported in its 5 p.m. update that Milton achieved these extraordinary wind speeds just three hours after it was noted that the hurricane had “explosively” intensified to 175 mph. Over the course of 24 hours, wind speeds surged by 95 mph and by 130 mph within 36 hours.

The storm is currently located approximately 675 miles from Florida, having quickly transitioned from Category 2 to Category 5 within a matter of hours on Monday. By Tuesday, Milton’s strength “could be influenced by potential eyewall replacement cycles, likely resulting in a gradual weakening of the system but an increase in its size,” according to the NHC.

The center has launched hurricane watches for parts of Florida and warned of potentially life-threatening storm surges, heavy rainfall, and high winds affecting sections of the state.

Forecasts suggest that Milton will remain an “extremely dangerous” hurricane for the next few days. Although some weakening is anticipated before it makes landfall, Milton “is expected to be a large and powerful hurricane when it reaches Florida,” according to advisory comments from hurricane center specialist Jack Beven.

Rainfall amounts are projected to range from 5 to 10 inches in certain areas, which were already soaked prior to the arrival of Hurricane Helene just under two weeks ago. Some locations might experience up to 15 inches of rain, as indicated by the hurricane center. Heavy rainfall could impact some areas ahead of Milton’s approach, likely between Tuesday and Wednesday night, as stated by the NHC. Tampa and other coastal regions may face a potentially deadly storm surge of 10 to 15 feet.

Latest News:

∎ As of late Monday afternoon, Milton was located 675 miles southwest of Tampa and traveling east at 10 mph. The potential path places the center of uncertainty in the Tampa Bay region.

∎ The hurricane center increased the anticipated storm surge heights in some areas and extended warnings along the Northern Atlantic Coast in its 5 p.m. update. Storm surge risks are also recognized along the eastern Florida Panhandle and the Florida Keys, with Tampa Bay possibly experiencing surge heights of up to 15 feet.

∎ Tampa International Airport will halt flight operations at 9 a.m. Tuesday and will “reopen when conditions are safe.” Authorities stated the airport will not serve as a shelter for individuals or vehicles.

Less severe wind speeds still concerning, expert warns

A seemingly positive aspect of Milton’s alarming progression is the forecast indicating that the hurricane’s power may lessen before reaching Florida’s coast, potentially down to a Category 3.

Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, suggests this isn’t entirely reassuring.

In an interview with CNN, Rhome pointed out that although Milton’s winds may decrease from the current 175 mph—potentially even dropping below 130 mph for a Category 4 storm—the hurricane’s size is expected to increase, resulting in greater damage potential.

“We observed this with Helene,” Rhome explained. “Large storms tend to create more impact. Therefore, the increase in size will offset any reduction in intensity, causing wider areas to be affected, with storm surge becoming substantially aggravated by the storm’s increased size.”

Rhome emphasized that the western side of the Florida peninsula is particularly vulnerable to storm surge, as shown by the impact from Helene even after a glancing hit. The simultaneous effects of two major hurricanes so close together could be “devastating,” he warned.

“In this scenario, the damage will be direct and potentially more severe,” Rhome stated. “This could lead to catastrophic wind damage impacting densely populated regions of the Florida peninsula. Moreover, the storm surge may exceed what was experienced with Helene in certain locations.”

Tampa Bay area at risk of massive storm surge

The Tampa Bay metropolitan area has been identified as the most vulnerable region in the nation for storm surge, now facing a potentially catastrophic scenario that could lead to over $200 billion in damages.

As Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 5 storm, appears poised to strike the region on Wednesday, residents are warned of storm surges reaching up to 15 feet. Variables such as the hurricane’s trajectory and intensity as it encounters wind shear could alter these predictions before landfall. However, the prospects of extensive flooding, potentially the most significant inundation in more than a century, remain dangerously high.

“A strong storm with the right trajectory could trap water in the bay, flooding large portions of Tampa and St. Petersburg,” a 2015 report from risk-analysis organization Karen Clark & Company noted. “Fifty percent of the population

lives at elevations lower than ten feet.

− Doyle Rice, Janet Loehrke and Dinah Voyles Pulver

Concern Grows Along the Eastern Florida Coast

Samuel Eames spent his weekend stocking up on batteries and canned goods as Hurricane Milton started to take shape in the Gulf of Mexico.

This 70-year-old resident lives a few miles from Flagler Beach on the eastern coast of Florida. Eames, who has known this area for many years, noted that it’s uncommon for his community to endure hurricane-force winds coming from the west. However, given Milton’s intensity, he worries about the damage it could inflict.

“The local meteorologists have been broadcasting for 20-25 years, and they’ve never seen a storm this strong,” Eames stated. “They are serious about it.”

As of Monday, the retired construction manager and Navy veteran mentioned that he plans to get his prescriptions and purchase a pair of knee-high boots before taking refuge at home.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many parts of the state have been hit by severe thunderstorms. Eames pointed out that his neighborhood is experiencing standing water “almost everywhere.” Meteorologists are predicting that Flagler and nearby counties could receive anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of rain by Thursday.

“I wouldn’t say I’m worried, but I do feel a bit anxious,” Eames admitted.

Major Changes to Beaches Expected as Milton Approaches After Helene

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the western coast of Florida, renowned for its wide, sandy beaches, will likely see significant alterations due to Milton.

It is estimated that around 95% of the sand beaches along that coastline will be continually submerged due to the hurricane, which could lead to erosion and overwash as the water rises over the sand dunes, the survey highlighted.

“The potential coastal changes forecasted from Milton’s arrival on the Florida west coast are significant, especially since these communities are already vulnerable due to erosion caused by Helene,” commented Kara Doran, a supervisory physical scientist at USGS.

This agency’s forecast is seen as a worst-case scenario intended to inform emergency management teams.

− Dinah Voyles Pulver

Mom Prepares for Survival Amidst Milton’s Threat

Elasa Tiernan has been dealing with flood damage to her Crystal Beach home in the Tampa Bay area for over a week now. Hurricane Helene caused Tiernan’s property to be inundated with two feet of seawater. Following that disaster, her husband – now confined to bed due to mold exposure – began removing furniture and even took a sledgehammer to their cabinets and concrete walls. As Hurricane Milton looms, Tiernan, a lifelong Florida resident, is left questioning whether their home will withstand the storm.

“I was going to try to remove more water today, but with this impending storm, we’ve pretty much had to give up,” said Tiernan, 48, during a phone call with YSL News while searching for gas.

Many of her neighbors faced similar challenges during Helene, leaving the streets filled with “piles of furniture.” On Monday, she secured her doors, turned off the main electricity, and made her way to her aunt’s home in Tarpon Springs, planning to ride out the storm there with her husband and daughter.

“I’m going to ensure we have everything essential. I suppose you could say I’m a survivalist,” Tiernan explained. “As a mom of a 14-year-old, there’s not much time to consider other options, right?”

The Rarity of Category 5 Hurricanes

Hurricane Milton marks the second Category 5 storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, joining Beryl. A Category 5 hurricane is the highest classification possible, which the National Hurricane Center defines as having maximum sustained winds exceeding 156 mph on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

These storms are exceptionally rare: Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman noted that since 1924, only 40 hurricanes of this strength have been documented in the Atlantic Basin, according to NOAA’s historical records.

Since 1950, there have only been five years in which at least two Category 5 hurricanes hit the Atlantic: 1961 (Esther, Hattie), 2005 (Emily, Katrina, Rita, Wilma), 2007 (Dean, Felix), 2017 (Irma, Maria), and 2019 (Dorian, Lorenzo).

Only four hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. as Category 5 storms, the latest being Hurricane Michael in 2018.

− Doyle Rice

Hurricane Milton’s Impact on Flights

At present, flights within the U.S. are not experiencing delays due to Hurricane Milton, but airlines and airports in its path are gearing up for possible disruptions. Major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines have started issuing waivers for passengers traveling to or from certain Florida airports. These allow ticket changes starting Monday without any additional fees, even for basic economy fares. Travelers are encouraged to check their airline’s website for specific travel updates.

While local airports are operational now, they are actively monitoring the storm and are prepared to close if the situation necessitates. Tampa International Airport announced it will stop operations starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and aims to reopen “as soon as it is safe to do so later this week.”

If any flight is canceled for any reason, passengers have the right to a refund according to Department of Transportation regulations. Travelers should stay updated with their airline and take advantage of flexible change options if their travel plans allow for it. Read more here.

− Eve Chen, Zach Wichter and Nathan Diller

Gulf Coast Residents Exhausted by Another Emergency

Debbie Pace and her family spent nearly five hours queuing outside a solid waste facility on Sunday night, trying to dispose of debris scattered across their property by Hurricane Helene in Palm Harbor, located just north of Clearwater. The route to the dump was muddy, and several vehicles required towing, according to Pace, 52. Meanwhile, gas stations and grocery stores were packed with long lines as residents rushed to gather supplies.

The looming arrival of Hurricane Milton has left Gulf Coast residents, many of whom are already fatigued from dealing with past storms, feeling anxious about what lies ahead.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Pace noted that numerous homes, as well as cherished belongings, are now in a critical state. “Just a short distance from our residence, the area resembles a battleground with furniture piled up on the streets,” she remarked. “We are still in the midst of our recovery process.”

The Cleanup After Helene Continues Beyond Florida

While Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton, the cleanup efforts in Western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene are still ongoing. Nearly 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Fort Campbell in Kentucky are actively collaborating with FEMA to provide food, water, and other essential supplies, as stated by Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder during a briefing. The troops are also assisting in clearing vital emergency routes.

The National Guard has mobilized over 6,100 guardsmen, along with hundreds of high-water vehicles, and numerous helicopters and rescue boats from 18 different states, Ryder added.

− Cybele Mayes-Osterman

Preparing for Milton: “We’re Just Worn Out”

David Green is scheduled to meet with an electrician to assess the damage to his home, which Hurricane Helene inundated with 3.5 feet of water. Once again, he is reinforcing his home, this time in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. Green and his wife, residing on St. Pete Beach, along with Tampa Bay and nearby coastal communities, are forecasted to experience 10-12 feet of storm surge this week.

“We’re really worn out,” he shared with YSL News.

Green reported that debris is still accumulating on the streets, and buildings are being excavated from the sand pushed ashore by Helene. At 62, he has come to terms with the prospect of additional flooding but is concerned that Milton’s fierce winds could transform household belongings into dangerous projectiles and inflict structural damage.

Early on Monday, he rented a truck from Home Depot to gather plywood for window protection. He aims to finish securing his home by Monday evening before moving his fans and dehumidifiers and waiting out the storm at his daughter’s house in Ruskin. Consequently, he’s decided to postpone his meeting with his flood insurance provider.

“Everything has already been moved out. We simply need to turn off the power. Now, we wait and see… hopefully, we can return,” he expressed.

Milton’s Rapid Strength Increase: Cat 4 in Under a Day

Milton rapidly intensified on Monday, a process known to meteorologists as “rapid intensification,” where wind speeds increase dramatically and barometric pressure plummets over a short period. This phenomenon has become notably common with Gulf of Mexico hurricanes in recent years, typically indicating a tropical cyclone (whether a tropical storm or hurricane) intensifying by at least 35 mph within 24 hours.

Milton certainly met this criterion, surging from a 60-mph tropical storm on Sunday morning to a powerful 155-mph Category 4 hurricane—a staggering increase of 95 mph in just over a day.

This rapid intensification often occurs when a tropical storm or hurricane comes across an “extremely conducive environment,” according to Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University. This generally entails very warm waters, low vertical wind shear, and high levels of mid-level moisture.

− Dinah Voyles Pulver and Doyle Rice

Disney World Halts Reservations for Tuesday and Wednesday

Walt Disney World theme parks remained operational to the public on Monday. However, the company was not accepting park reservations for Tuesday and Wednesday. Disney provided an update regarding the hurricane on its weather information page: “Walt Disney World Resort is currently functioning under normal conditions. We are carefully tracking the projected storm’s path while prioritizing the safety of our guests and cast members. For a magical visit, we advise you to prepare for the local climate and check the Central Florida weather forecast. Stay tuned for important weather updates.”

− Jennifer Sangalang

Mandatory Evacuation Orders Anticipated Monday

Counties such as Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota were projected to issue evacuation orders on Monday. Pinellas County, which encompasses St. Petersburg, was preparing to announce mandatory evacuations for 500,000 individuals in low-lying regions, as per Sheriff Bob Gualtieri’s comments on Sunday. He urged residents to comply with evacuation orders, highlighting that noncompliance during Helene led to 12 fatalities in the county and resulted in 1,500 emergency calls going unanswered.

The county has already mandated the evacuation of six hospitals, 25 nursing homes, and 44 assisted-living facilities, affecting a total of 6,600 patients, stated Cathie Perkins, head of the county’s emergency management. Schools were canceled through Wednesday.

Kevin Guthrie, in charge of Florida’s emergency management division, noted that the state braces for its largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which displaced over 6 million residents from their homes.

Understanding Florida’s State of Emergency Declaration

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 51 of Florida’s 67 counties in preparation for Milton. This declaration grants both state and local authorities enhanced authority to coordinate emergency efforts and ease regulations.

The governor can suspend any restrictions that may hinder emergency response efforts, take control of private properties essential for addressing the emergency, mandate evacuations, and direct or delegate the National Guard’s assistance for rescue or cleanup missions. DeSantis may also suspend sales of alcohol, firearms, explosives, and flammable materials, establish emergency shelters, regulate power supply as necessary, and implement or modify curfews.

− C. A. Bridges, YSL News NETWORK – Florida