Hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for Florida’s western Gulf Coast as Hurricane Milton rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 storm. Milton threatens damaging winds, lethal storm surges, and severe floods by midweek, especially near Tampa Bay, with sustained winds of 175 mph.
Milton’s storm surge could reach 8 to 12 feet above ground, the National Hurricane Center said, making it the region’s worst surge in almost a century. Local officials advise surge-prone households to evacuate immediately because the storm’s peak coincides with high tide on Thursday morning.
Florida could receive 5–15 inches of rain from Milton, causing flash floods and river overflowing. Starting Wednesday, the state will experience strong gusts and isolated tornadoes.
Milton is expected to weaken before landfall, but it will still be a powerful hurricane. By Tuesday night, Floridians should finish hurricane preparations because conditions will quickly worsen.
