Hurricane Milton Upgraded to Category 2 as It Approaches Florida’s West Coast

Hurricane Milton has intensified to Category 2 and may reach Category 4 status as it approaches Florida’s west coast. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties and is urging residents to prepare. Evacuations may be extensive, recalling past incidents like Hurricane Irma. Significant flooding is also anticipated due to a separate weather system bringing heavy rains before Milton’s arrival.

Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified as it approaches Florida’s west coast, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgrading it from a Category 1 storm with winds of 85 mph on Sunday to a Category 2 storm early on Monday. Milton is expected to reach Category 4 status later in the day, maintaining that strength until Tuesday, before slightly weakening prior to making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Madeira Beach area of Pinellas County around 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted that the storm’s trajectory could change and warned that Milton was anticipated to be a “major hurricane” at landfall, potentially leading to a storm surge more severe than that experienced during Hurricane Helene’s landfall in North Florida on September 27. This warning precedes what could be the most significant evacuation in Florida since Hurricane Irma in 2017, as state officials, led by Kevin Guthrie, continue to monitor the situation. As part of preparedness efforts, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties along the west coast, urging residents to prepare by securing essential supplies. Furthermore, he stated that the National Guard and emergency personnel are mobilizing to respond to the storm, indicating that debris from Helene is already being cleared in expectation of Milton’s approach. Additionally, potential flooding due to a separate weather system may exacerbate risks, with total rainfall expected to reach up to 10 inches or more by Milton’s departure from the state. The NHC is advising residents to adhere to their hurricane preparedness plans and remain vigilant regarding evolving forecasts.

The article discusses Hurricane Milton, which has rapidly evolved from a Category 1 storm to a Category 2 storm as it approaches Florida’s coast. The hurricane is projected to increase in intensity, potentially reaching Category 4 status before landfall. The rapid intensification is fueled by favorable conditions in the Gulf of Mexico, including warm water temperatures and low wind shear. Florida officials are preparing for large-scale evacuations reminiscent of previous major hurricanes, particularly given the storm’s predicted impact and a pre-existing weather system that may lead to increased flooding. The federal government is also involved in preparation efforts to ensure resources are available for those affected.

In summary, Hurricane Milton is poised to impact Florida’s west coast significantly. With intensifying winds and the likelihood of storm surge and flooding, the state has initiated extensive evacuation plans and emergency preparations. Officials are urging residents to remain informed and ready for potential disruptions caused by the storm as it approaches landfall midweek.

Original Source: 6abc.com