SARASOTA, Fla. − Milton intensified and was classified as a hurricane on Sunday while moving through the Gulf of Mexico, threatening parts of the Florida Peninsula that are still recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton’s winds have reached 85 mph and are “rapidly intensifying,” with an increase of 40 mph in just 15 hours. Further strengthening is anticipated over the next two days.

The agency predicts that Milton will reach major hurricane status by Monday, aiming for Florida’s west coast by Wednesday. A major hurricane is classified as at least a Category 3 storm, producing winds ranging from 111 to 129 mph, capable of causing “devastating damage,” the National Hurricane Center stated.

On Sunday, Governor Ron DeSantis extended a state of emergency to an additional 16 counties, bringing the total to 51 out of 67 counties in Florida under the emergency declaration.

“A major hurricane is the most likely scenario,” DeSantis remarked. “This is not a favorable trajectory for Florida.”

Rain has already started in some areas and could accumulate between 5 to 10 inches, with localized spots seeing up to 15 inches across parts of Florida Peninsula and the Keys by Wednesday night, noted hurricane specialist Eric Blake. This precipitation raises the risk of widespread minor to moderate flooding of rivers.

However, there are still uncertainties regarding Milton’s intensity and trajectory and the storm might make landfall as a major hurricane or potentially weaken, according to the hurricane center.

“Regardless of the specifics, there’s growing confidence that a powerful hurricane posing life-threatening dangers will impact parts of Florida’s west coast around midweek,” the hurricane center alerted in an update on Sunday.

Key Updates:

∎ As of Sunday evening, Milton was located 780 miles west-southwest of Tampa with sustained winds of 85 mph. The storm is moving east at 7 mph but is expected to accelerate and shift to the east-northeast in the upcoming days.

∎ There are currently three hurricanes in the Atlantic region, a record occurrence for post-September, according to Phil Klotzbach, a research scientist at Colorado State University. These hurricanes are Milton, Kirk, and Leslie, the last two located further east.

∎ President Joe Biden was informed on Sunday about the storm, its potential impact on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and the actions FEMA is taking to position resources ahead of time.

∎ Initial estimates for Milton indicate a potential storm surge in areas along Florida’s west coast from south of Cedar Key to Everglades City.

Conditions are favorable for Milton to strengthen before reaching Florida

Deep, warm waters and low wind shear in the Gulf of Mexico are expected to fuel Milton’s intensification, Blake stated on Sunday.

Most models predict this relatively small storm will evolve into a Category 4 or 5 hurricane within the next day, with the official forecast suggesting Milton could have winds of 145 mph by Wednesday. Blake also noted that the forecast might still underestimate the storm’s potential.

However, as Milton nears Florida, wind shear is expected to increase, which might weaken the hurricane. Nonetheless, this may also result in an expansion of its size, converting it into a large hurricane at landfall, with “very hazardous impacts spread over a wide area,” according to Blake.

− Dinah Voyles Pulver

Massive storm surge targeting Florida

Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist for WeatherTiger, suggests that Helene and Milton might rank among the most catastrophic consecutive storms ever to impact Florida. The latest predictions indicate landfall could occur between the Nature Coast and Marco Island, he mentioned in writing for the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the YSL News NETWORK.

However, Truchelut added that the precise forecast track is less critical since widespread impacts will affect much of the Florida Peninsula. He warns that Milton will be a fierce storm, generating a life-threatening storm surge over several days, regardless of the final wind category it achieves when making landfall.

“In summary, there’s nothing positive happening with Milton at this moment, and I can’t express enough how unfortunate this situation is,” Truchelut remarked. “We are facing a compounded threat with few precedents in hurricane history.”

He continued by acknowledging the exhaustion felt by residents and responders alike. “We’re all already fatigued. You are, I am. That’s the reality.” Read more here.

Tampa area prepares for the impact of Milton

Communities along Florida’s west coast are still healing from Hurricane Helene, which caused a record storm surge due to its immense size and strong winds. In light of Milton’s approach, Hillsborough County, which encompasses the eastern side of Tampa Bay, announced the closure of comfort stations established for Helene’s victims. The county is also setting up sandbag distribution points and advising residents to secure loose items indoors, clean out gutters and drains, and document damages with photos and videos.

The recent storm surge caused by Helene led to extensive flooding in Hillsborough County, reaching over two feet higher than the previous record established during Hurricane Idalia in August 2023. In nearby Pinellas County, the surge from the Gulf of Mexico inundated neighborhoods and tragically resulted in 12 fatalities, also surpassing the two-foot mark above past records.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor described the situation on CNN, stating, “We’re entirely saturated. Experiencing a month’s worth of rain in a single storm will be a challenge, alongside the storm surge and wind damage. We’re currently still in the cleanup phase from Helene.”

If Milton approaches Tampa Bay from the north or nearby, it could generate winds strong enough to create a surge even greater than what Helene delivered, potentially exceeding the 10-foot levels not seen since 1921, according to Truchelut.

“The primary advice for Tampa Bay residents is to prepare for Milton as if the worst is going to happen, and then hope for better outcomes,” he noted.

Will Milton’s evacuations exceed Irma’s 6 million?

Florida’s leading emergency management official indicated that preparations are underway for a potential evacuation that could be the largest since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which resulted in over 6 million Floridians being ordered to evacuate their homes.

“I strongly urge anyone in a Milton evacuation zone to evacuate,” said Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie. Governor DeSantis mentioned that evacuation orders might be issued in certain areas starting Monday, and there are plans to open highway shoulders to aid in the evacuation process.

As traffic is monitored by the Florida Department of Transportation, Secretary Jared Perdue stated that once travel speeds drop to 40 mph, the state will begin utilizing highway shoulders to ease congestion.

Mayor Castor also advised residents in specific zones to seek higher ground early to avoid getting stuck in traffic when the storm surge hits later. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Fort Myers Beach south of Tampa, starting at 3 p.m. on Monday.

Guthrie added that those living in newer homes inland, who do not rely on power for medical reasons, may be safer remaining in their homes instead of evacuating.

− Jim Rosica, YSL News NETWORK-Florida

Gov. DeSantis: Emotionally, ‘it’s tough’

During a briefing on Sunday, Governor DeSantis cautioned about a potentially “significant storm surge” headed toward the area, which could affect the densely populated Tampa Bay region more severely than Helene’s impact on the Big Bend area of Florida.

He emphasized that the consequences of Milton could be felt by Floridians far from the Gulf Coast. However, he noted that there’s still some time before the storm arrives, urging residents not to let up on efforts to clear debris left by Helene. Flying debris could exacerbate the damage caused by Milton’s strong winds, he warned.

Governor DeSantis also announced that he would be recalling personnel and equipment previously sent to North Carolina and Tennessee for “Operation Blue Ridge” to aid in recovery efforts from the severe flooding caused by Helene. Those resources will be needed locally, he stated.

“Experiencing this situation again is not easy,” DeSantis expressed. “From an emotional standpoint, it’s challenging. People do feel fatigued.”

Restaurants struggle to operate amid Helene, Milton

A popular restaurant in the Sarasota-Bradenton area shut down again just one day after reopening following damage from Helene’s passage. Tide Tables restaurant and marina, a waterfront venue on the Intracoastal Waterway, faced temporary closure after sustaining damage on September 26.

During the storm, one of its docks was damaged by a boat, and a tiki bar that overlooked the water was completely destroyed.

On Thursday, Tide Tables fed residents of a nearby 55-and-over mobile home community. The restaurant opened its doors to the public on Friday but temporarily closed again after just one full day of business on Saturday.

On social media, Tide Tables announced, “We will close again tomorrow in preparation for the oncoming hurricane. Stay safe, and we hope to see you back soon! Cortez Strong.” Read more here.

− Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Disney World open ahead of Milton

Walt Disney World Resort remained open on Sunday. The company provided a hurricane update on its weather information page, advising visitors to prepare for local weather conditions and keep an eye on forecasts for Central Florida. They also suggested checking back for crucial weather updates.

The resort, which encompasses Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios, created a FAQ page related to hurricanes. If a hurricane warning is issued for the Orlando area—or for a visitor’s home area—within a week of their scheduled arrival, they may reschedule or cancel their trip. Read more here.

− Jennifer Sangalang

Milton’s landfall near Tampa Bay is expected

According to Accuweather forecasters, Milton is anticipated to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall near Tampa Bay on Wednesday morning.

“This forecast track for a hurricane approaching Tampa Bay is both unusual and extremely alarming,” warned Jon Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather. “This hurricane could produce a life-threatening surge. Ensure that your family and friends in this region are prepared.”

After traversing Florida, Milton is expected to shift eastward over the Atlantic, as noted by the hurricane center. In contrast, Helene moved north, leaving a path of devastation across several regions, including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Sarasota area continues cleanup from Helene ahead of Milton

Sarasota County officials

Officials have urged residents to begin securing debris in preparation for Hurricane Helene. Debris collection teams are working “as safely and quickly as possible” to clear debris around Milton.

“The upcoming storm brings extra challenges for our community and emergency responders,” county officials highlighted in a statement. “If you can, please secure any loose debris to reduce the risk of it becoming airborne in high winds, which could create additional hazards.”

In response to the threat, nearby Manatee County has declared a new state of emergency for Milton, in addition to the existing one due to Helene. Officials are lowering water levels in Lake Manatee ahead of significant rainfall. “Begin preparing for possible storm surge and rain effects immediately,” suggested county officials.