Hurricane Milton Threatens West-Central Florida with Historic Devastation
TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Milton, though slightly weaker Tuesday, continues to pose an extreme threat to west-central Florida as it barrels toward the coast, expected to make landfall late Wednesday. Experts warn it could be one of the most destructive storms ever recorded in the region.
John Cangialosi, a hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center (NHC), cautioned that Hurricane Milton's damaging winds, life-threatening storm surges, and heavy rainfall will extend well beyond the storm’s core. "Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida," Cangialosi emphasized in a Tuesday update.
After experiencing rapid intensification on Monday—its winds surging to a terrifying 180 mph—Milton’s sustained winds had dropped slightly to 150 mph by Tuesday, still classifying it as a fierce Category 4 hurricane. The NHC warned that as the storm approaches the coast, fluctuations in strength could occur, potentially leading to landfall as a Category 3 hurricane.
Governor's Urgent Call to Action
Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents in Milton’s path to finalize their safety plans as the storm's arrival draws closer. “Time is running out,” DeSantis said in a briefing Tuesday. “There’s no guarantee what the weather will be like starting Wednesday morning. You may have a window where it’s safe, but you may not. Use today to execute your plan to protect your family.”
The governor underscored the widespread impact the storm is expected to have, pointing out that nearly the entire peninsula of Florida is under some form of hurricane watch or warning. Maps from the NHC show central Florida blanketed with warnings in red and orange, leaving no doubt that millions of Floridians are in the storm’s crosshairs. Read the NHC advisory.
Milton's Path and Potential Impacts
As of Tuesday, Milton was centered about 520 miles southwest of Tampa, moving east-northeast at 12 mph. A shift toward the northeast with an increase in speed is expected later in the day, continuing through Thursday. The hurricane is forecasted to bring 5 to 12 inches of rain across central and northern portions of the Florida Peninsula, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 18 inches. This deluge is expected to result in life-threatening flooding.
The NHC and state officials are preparing for a worst-case scenario, with storm surge expected to reach dangerous levels, particularly along the Gulf Coast. Communities in the Tampa Bay area, as well as those further inland, have been warned to brace for widespread power outages, impassable roads, and significant damage to infrastructure.
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Prepare Now or Face the Consequences
With Milton closing in, local authorities are urging residents to evacuate if they are in evacuation zones or at risk from the storm surge. The message is clear: waiting any longer could leave residents trapped by flooded roads and violent winds, unable to escape the storm’s fury.
The next 24 hours are critical.