‘Here We Go Again’: ‘Historic’ Hurricane Milton Rapidly Intensifies as It Bears Down on Gulf Coast
The west coast of Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, which is projected to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches land midweek. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the potential for heavy rainfall, expecting 5 to 10 inches in some areas and localized totals up to 15 inches. Flooding is a significant concern, particularly in low-lying areas, prompting officials to advise against driving on flooded streets. Florida’s emergency management authorities are coordinating preparations for what could be the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017. With significant uncertainty regarding the storm’s trajectory, authorities are urging residents to finalize their hurricane preparations and consider evacuation.
The west coast of Florida is facing a new hurricane threat this week as Milton churns closer to impact.
“Well, folks…here we go again! “ the Naples Police Department posted on Facebook.
“A lot of rain is predicted for our area starting this weekend and going into next week, which means low lying areas in the City of Naples may flood,” the post warned.
It added: “PLEASE do not drive on streets with water over them.”
The National Weather Service said Florida must brace for a major storm.
“Milton will be a historic storm for the west coast of Florida,” the Weather Service said.
Milton is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the west coast of the Florida Peninsula midweek. Do not focus on the details of the forecast. There is still significant uncertainty in the eventual track and intensity of #Milton.
While it is too soon to specify the… pic.twitter.com/Fbt77z7EVw
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 6, 2024
With its precise landfall uncertain, the Weather Service posted a flood watch for much of Florida’s western coast.
Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches, with “localized totals up to 15 inches,” are possible, it said, as the storm nears its Wednesday impact with its effects likely to be felt through Thursday morning.
The Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, FDOT, and FHP are all hands on deck to supplement local debris removal in preparation for Hurricane Milton.
Additionally, the Division of Emergency Management is coordinating with local emergency management directors to inform… pic.twitter.com/Ilt5t2lost
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 6, 2024
The Weather Service projects that the storm will grow into a Category 4 hurricane when it hits Florida’s west coast before crossing the state and heading into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Weather Service’s models show that wind and rain will impact almost every part of Florida.
BREAKING REPORT: HURRICANE MILTON NOW EXPECTED TO BE A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE
My heart goes out to everyone in this path!
God bless you all ✝️ pic.twitter.com/EJAldmwuTo
— RedpillGoku (@redpillgoku) October 7, 2024
The National Hurricane Center said the storm surge could reach 8 to 12 feet if the peak of the surge comes at the same time as high tide, according to the Weather Channel.
Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers and Sarasota could all feel the brunt of the storm’s impact, according to Fox Weather.
Lee County, which was clobbered by Hurricane Ian in 2022, could be hit this time around as well.
FEMA is out of money after blowing $1.4B on the migrant crisis, and now they admit they can’t meet our needs with Hurricane Milton approaching.
Tampa is still covered in debris from Helene. Biden’s administration is putting illegals before American lives.
Disgraceful! pic.twitter.com/CR6LwpMxiU
— Camryn Kinsey (@camrynbaylee) October 6, 2024
Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said now is the time to put safety first.
“I urge Floridians to finalize your storm preparations now; enact your plan. I highly encourage you to evacuate. We are preparing, and I have the State Emergency Response Team preparing, for the largest evacuation that we have seen most likely since 2017 Hurricane Irma,” Guthrie said.
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