Breaking News: Hurricane Milton Upgraded to Category 5
By TNW News - Breaking News Staff | 8:03 AM October 8, 2024

Hurricane Milton Intensifies to Category 5: Florida Braces for Catastrophic Impacts

Just two weeks after Hurricane Helene swamped Florida’s coastline, Hurricane Milton has rapidly strengthened into a major Category 5 storm. With sustained winds of 161 mph, it poses an extreme threat to Florida’s west coast, particularly the densely populated Tampa metro area, home to over 3.3 million people. The same stretch of coastline battered by Helene is once again in the crosshairs, and residents are urged to take immediate action.

Evacuations and Traffic

Traffic on Interstate 75 has been thick as evacuees head north in advance of Milton’s arrival. Crews are also working around the clock to clear debris left behind by Hurricane Helene, preparing the region for the next onslaught. Landfall is expected Wednesday evening, with some models projecting Milton may weaken to a Category 3 before hitting Florida, but its precise track remains uncertain.

State Mobilization and Resource Deployment

The State of Florida has ramped up preparations:

• Evacuations: Already underway, especially in mobile homes and areas prone to storm surge.
• Tolls Suspended: To facilitate evacuation routes, tolls have been waived, and highway shoulders are open for traffic.
• Shelters: All counties are offering pet-friendly and special-needs shelters to accommodate residents.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has responded with over 600 resource deployments, including:

• Truckloads of food, water, and ambulances
• Starlink satellite units to maintain communications
• 2,000 feet of flood protection systems to safeguard Central Florida and Tampa Bay
• 1.5 million gallons of fuel reserves to support recovery efforts post-storm

Meanwhile, efforts to clear debris from Hurricane Helene continue across Pinellas County. Over 9,000 cubic yards have been removed, with local landfills operating 24/7 in preparation for Milton’s arrival.

Milton's Path and Forecast

Milton is predicted to make landfall near the Tampa Bay area, though forecasts suggest potential impacts from Orlando to Florida’s First Coast. Coastal areas could face storm surges of up to 12 feet, with inland cities at risk of widespread flooding and hurricane-force winds.

Evacuations and Surge Risk

A state of emergency has been declared across much of Florida. Tropical storm watches have been issued for Miami-Dade, Broward, and the Florida Keys. The Tampa Bay area faces the highest risk, with storm surges possibly reaching 12 feet.

Flood Preparations and Sandbag Distribution

Residents across South Florida can access sandbag distribution sites to mitigate flood risks. Information on sandbag locations and other resources can be found on TNWWeather.com.

TNW Hurricane Operations and 24/7 Coverage

TNW’s Hurricane Operations Division, headed by General Manager Todd Nardone, is providing 24/7 live updates across all TNW platforms:

• X.com/TNWNews
• X.com/TNWNewsLLC
• TNW News YouTube channel

Real-time updates, preparedness tips, and post-storm recovery coverage will be available.

Final Preparations

Residents should finalize all preparations by Tuesday evening. This includes securing outdoor furniture, trimming weak tree branches, and reinforcing homes. The likelihood of power outages, widespread flooding, and structural damage remains high across the region.

Stay Informed

For evacuation details, visit FloridaDisaster.org and use the "Know Your Zone" tool. Stay tuned to TNW News and TNWWeather.com for ongoing updates as the situation unfolds.

Boat Owners Secure Vessels as Milton Approaches

At the Davis Islands Yacht Club in Tampa, boat owners worked to secure their vessels in anticipation of the storm’s landfall, expected late Wednesday. (Photo: AP/Chris O’Meara)

When Will Hurricane Milton Make Landfall?

According to the National Hurricane Center’s Live Hurricane Tracker, Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast late Wednesday. It is likely to hit the Tampa Bay region as a Category 3 storm, with winds between 111-129 mph. Tampa has not seen a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century.

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