Milton becomes a Category 4 Hurricane as it approaches the Florida Peninsula: NPR

Early models show Milton entering Florida by midweek before heading out into the Atlantic Ocean, sparing many of the states hardest hit by Helene.

National Hurricane Center

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National Hurricane Center

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida’s Gulf Coast and wreaked a path of destruction in the southeastern US, the state is again on alert for another storm soon.

Forecasters upgraded Milton from a tropical storm to a hurricane on Sunday, a day earlier than expected, and warned that ready to reach Category 4 strength before making landfall in Florida midweek.

It strengthened to a “major” Category 3 storm early Monday morning as sustained maximum winds neared 125 mph. It quickly intensified to Category 4 status with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, the National Hurricane Center said just after 9 a.m. ET.

At the time, the storm was about 150 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and about 735 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is under hurricane danger, while a hurricane watch, hurricane watch and tropical storm watch and warning are in effect for parts of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.

Milton is expected to move north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Monday and Tuesday before crossing the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approaching the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.

The NHC said most models agree that Milton will cross the Florida Peninsula, though people “shouldn’t focus on the exact track” because models still disagree on the exact location and timing.

Even so, forecasters warn that there is a possibility of “a large and powerful storm to make landfall in Florida, with life-threatening hazards along the coast.”

He said an area of ​​heavy rain will affect parts of Florida on Monday, and again Tuesday into Wednesday night, bringing “the risk of major, urban and regional flooding,” as well as the potential for moderate to major river flooding.

Parts of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys could see 5 to 10 inches of rain through Wednesday night, with local totals of up to 15 inches in some areas.

There is also an increased risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for parts of Florida’s west coast beginning late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Forecasters say they could raise water up to 8 to 12 feet in coastal areas of Florida, including Tampa Bay.

“Residents in the area should follow any advice given by local officials and evacuate if instructed to do so,” the NHC said, referring to the west coast of the peninsula.

Floridians prepare for evacuation and impact

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has added emergency declaration to cover 51 of the country’s 67 districts and warning people across the peninsula to prepare.

“Don’t ask to marry a cone,” she said tweeted on Sunday. “Floridians should prepare now for potential impacts, even if you live outside the forecast cone. We encourage you to follow all evacuation orders from your local officials.

Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said there that the country is preparing “for the largest evacuation we have seen since 2017 Hurricane Irma,” when meh 6.8 million Florida leaving their homes, causing traffic jams across the country.

But he also warned mainlanders who don’t live in evacuation zones or rely on electricity for medical needs that “it’s better if you stay where you are.”

Some Florida The district has ordered an evacuation starting Monday morning.

Manatee County and Pasco County have ordered the evacuation of residents in certain low-lying areas, mobile homes and RVs, while Pinellas County has ordered the evacuation of all home health facilities in certain zones.

Emergency officials are urging Floridians to look up their zoneplan an evacuation route and leave as soon as ordered.

Guthrie also said Floridians should take into account that many are still recovering from Helene: Do they use up reserves of water, food, pet food? Do they need to buy a new battery? Have they refilled their supply kits for each family member for seven days?

“Please make sure you do it today,” he said.

Lines began forming at gas stations on Sunday as people stocked up on fuel, water and other supplies, member stations said WGCU reported.

Note that public school districts in many counties will be closed from Monday until at least Wednesday and Florida Gulf Coast University – near Fort Myers – will closed its campus Tuesday and Wednesday, after switching to remote operations.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has announce the cancellation all Allegiant Air flights on Wednesday and Thursday.

Milton is predicted to save another country drowned by Helene

Milton is poised to hit areas still recovering from Category 4 Helene’s winds and rain.

But it is expected to go out to the Atlantic Ocean, sparing many of the southeastern states that are the hardest by Helene, including Georgia and the Carolinas.

More than 220 people died by Helene, one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the US mainland since Katrina in 2005. The Associated Press reports that about half of the victims were in North Carolina, where historical flood destroy entire communities.

Abnormally warm water in the Gulf of Mexico, caused by human-induced climate change, has created it is easier for hurricanes to strengthen quickly and even brought more wind and rain to the land.

Milton is the ninth hurricane to occur in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November. It is the fifth time to form since September 25 alone, breaking the previous record of both during the period.

And this is officially the first time three simultaneous hurricanes have been recorded in the Atlantic Ocean since September, according to storm researchers. Philip Klotzbach. In addition to Milton, the Hurricanes Kirk and Leslie also brewing.