JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hurricane Milton exploded in strength Monday, rapidly intensifying over the southern Gulf of Mexico into a Category 5 storm with 165 mph sustained winds and higher gusts, as of 11 p.m.
While fluctuations in intensity are expected, Milton is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane, likely a Category 3, through landfall in Florida later this week.
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Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches have been issued for parts of Florida and a surge up to 15 feet could hit the Tampa Bay region.
A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the U.S. east coast from
Sebastian Inlet to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, including
the St. Johns River.
The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide:
- Flagler/Volusia County Line, FL to Altamaha Sound, GA: 3-5 ft.
- Sebastian Inlet to Flagler/Volusia County Line: 2-4 ft.
- Altamaha Sound, GA to Edisto Beach, SC: 2-4 ft.
- St. Johns River: 2-4 ft.
A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for Dry Tortugas, Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s west coast from Chokoloskee to south of Bonita Beach and Florida’s east coast from the St. Lucie/Indian River County Line northward to the Florida-Georiga border.
A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening
inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline,
during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.
At 11 p.m. Monday, Milton was moving toward the east near 9 mph. This general motion is expected Monday followed by a turn toward the east-northeast and northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On the forecast track, Milton is forecast to move near or just north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Monday and Tuesday, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 914 mb.
IMPACT
RAIN: Rainfall projections are currently at 5 to 10 inches. The low accumulation begins in Southeast Georgia and increases closer to Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties. Flash flooding probabilities range from 15 to 40% with Southeast Georgia at the lowest risk and counties south of I-10 and along the coast with the highest chances.
WIND: As of Monday morning we have a 10 to 40% chance for tropical storm-force winds as Hurricane Milton makes landfall. Tropical storm force winds are at a minimum of 39 miles per hour, sustained for at least 60 seconds and up to 73 miles per hour. Anything above 73 miles per hour is considered hurricane-force winds. Arrival time for winds could start as soon as late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning, well before the eye makes landfall.
Post-Tropical Cyclone Kirk
SURF: Swells generated by Kirk are affecting Bermuda, the Bahamas, the east coast of the United States, portions of Atlantic Canada, and the Azores. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
Hurricane Leslie
There is no threat to land.