Milton 11 pm InfoHurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton continues to intensify.

• It looks very healthy on satellite imagery 
• Its traveling over very warm waters which will provide the fuel to grow stronger 
• Nothing in its atmospheric path presently to weaken it
• Milton is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the west coast of Florida by midweek. 
• Please do not focus on the details of the forecast as there remains significant uncertainty in the eventual track and intensity of Milton.

Per NHC:

• Too soon to specify the exact magnitude and location of the greatest impacts 
• There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of Florida beginning early Wednesday
• Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches will likely be issued early Monday

What to look for:

There is a front (Blue line with triangles) moving South. By Wednesday it should be across Northern Florida. If it moves too fast, it will push the system farther south. If too slow, Milton will jog northward. As of this update it seems that Milton should directly impact the west coast. This may change so please stay informed.

SE Florida will still feel impacts:

Chances for Tropical Storm Winds (39+ mph)

Ft. Lauderdale 44 %

Miami 23%

Slightly stronger west of I-95

Marathon 36%

Key West 38%

Chances for Hurricane Force Winds (Over 74 mph)

Ft. Lauderdale 5 %

Miami 2%

Slightly stronger west of I-95

Marathon 3%

Key West 4%

Rain 

• Localized amounts of up to 6+ inches possible. A Flood
• Watch is in effect beginning late Sunday morning
• It is important to note that the next round of rain is not directly associated with Tropical Storm Milton. 
• Any rain from Milton will happen later in the work week.

For the Keys:

Areas of heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida Monday well ahead of Milton, with heavy rainfall more directly related to the system expected later on Tuesday through Wednesday night. 

This rainfall brings the risk of considerable flash, street flooding 

We can also expect storm surge to be significant to some degree, but it is still difficult to estimate the exact surge heights. 

Even without the specific details, we do know that we have a few days of wet and messy weather to get through together.

Shutters:

If and when a hurricane WATCH is issued, that would be the time to put them up.

Please keep in mind that the atmosphere is ever changing and there are many factors at play. Stay informed and stay safe.