TRACKING HURRICANE MILTON

The message below is from the National Hurricane Center. For the most up to date information CLICK HERE.

This page will be updated as needed

[UPDATE: Advisory 17: 0500 EDT/0400 CDT Wednesday October 09 2024]

#MILTON REMAINS A CATASTROPHIC CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE...

FORECAST TO MAKE LANDFALL ON THE FLORIDA GULF COAST

LATE TONIGHT AS A DANGEROUS MAJOR HURRICANE...

Key Messages:

1. A large area of destructive storm surge, with highest inundations of 10 feet or greater, is expected along a portion of the west-central coast of the Florida Peninsula. If you are in the Storm Surge Warning area, this is an extremely life-threatening situation, and you should evacuate as soon as possible if ordered by local officials.

2. Devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of the west coast of Florida, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Milton is forecast to remain a hurricane while it crosses the Florida Peninsula and life-threatening hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, are expected to spread inland across the peninsula. Preparations to protect life and property, including being ready for long-duration power outages, should be rushed to completion.

3. Heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday brings the risk of catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood threat.

Follow Hurricanes.gov/#Milton for the latest information.

WHAT IS STORM SURGE:

Storm surge is rising water moving inland from the shoreline, pushed onshore by the force of the wind. This storm surge watch/warning graphic identifies locations most at risk for life-threatening inundation from storm surge, displaying areas that qualify for inclusion under a storm surge watch or warning by the National Weather Service. Due to forecast uncertainty, the actual areas that experience life-threatening inundation may differ from the areas shown on this map. All persons, regardless of whether or not they are in the highlighted areas shown by the graphic, should promptly follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local emergency management officials.