Hurricane Milton Is Going CAT 5...

Summary

In this final update video on Hurricane Milton before live coverage, the speaker provides key details on the storm's current strength, expected trajectory, and the potential impacts on Florida and Mexico. Hurricane Milton, now a Category 3 storm, is predicted to intensify rapidly into a Category 5 before weakening slightly prior to landfall. Live coverage will begin the following day, focusing on storm tracking, evacuations, and storm surge updates, with a full 12-hour session planned for landfall day. Viewers are encouraged to prepare and stay updated through live streams and social media.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified to a high-end Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds and is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane by the end of the day.
• 📅 Live coverage of the hurricane will start tomorrow, with 8 hours of pre-hurricane coverage, followed by extended live coverage on Wednesday during landfall.
• 🌊 The storm is predicted to cause 5 to 12 feet of storm surge in areas like Tampa and Charlotte Harbor, with a possibility of up to 15 feet if it continues to strengthen.
• 🌀 Hurricane Milton could become a Category 5 hurricane, with winds potentially reaching 155 mph by the time it nears the Yucatan Peninsula.
• 🏝️ The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is expected to face the strongest part of the storm, which could weaken slightly if it interacts with the landmass.
• 🚨 Mandatory evacuations are being implemented in areas along the western coast of Florida, including Fort Myers and potentially Tampa Bay.
• 💦 Florida is expected to receive an entire month's worth of rain in just one day, causing a significant flash flooding risk across the peninsula.
• 🌬️ The hurricane will bring tropical storm force winds across much of Florida by Wednesday morning, with possible tornado threats in the storm's front right quadrant.
• 📉 The hurricane is expected to weaken as it approaches Florida, possibly making landfall as a Category 3, and potentially weakening to a tropical storm as it moves inland.
• 🆘 The coverage team, including storm chasers, will be out with probes to monitor storm surge, and viewers are encouraged to follow live updates on various platforms.

Q & A

What is the current status of Hurricane Milton?

As of October 7th, 2024, Hurricane Milton is a high-end Category 3 hurricane with 125 mph winds and a pressure of 945 mbar. The storm is expected to intensify into a Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds by 2:00 p.m. today.

What are the expected impacts of Hurricane Milton on Florida?

Hurricane Milton is expected to bring storm surge, heavy rainfall, and high winds to much of Florida. The worst storm surge, ranging from 5 to 12 feet, could impact areas like Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Florida is also expected to experience flash flooding and potentially extreme rainfall.

When is Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida?

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall or approach the coast of Florida on Wednesday, October 9th, sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

What measures are being taken to cover the storm?

The live coverage of Hurricane Milton will start on October 8th, 2024, at noon, and continue for 8 hours, focusing on pre-hurricane updates, storm surge probes, and news about evacuations. Live coverage of the hurricane’s landfall will begin on October 9th at 2:00 p.m.

What is the biggest concern for Tampa Bay residents?

Tampa Bay is at risk of severe storm surge, with potential surges of up to 15 feet. Residents are advised to consider evacuating, especially if the storm tracks just north of the city, which could result in a worst-case scenario for Tampa.

How strong could Hurricane Milton get before making landfall?

Hurricane Milton is expected to reach Category 5 status with winds of 155 mph or more. It could strengthen even further, with potential peak winds of 190 mph before starting to weaken as it approaches Florida.

How will the Yucatan Peninsula affect Hurricane Milton?

If Hurricane Milton’s core interacts with the Yucatan Peninsula, it could disrupt the storm’s flow and weaken it. However, this would result in more damage for Mexico, making it a difficult scenario for both regions.

What are the expected wind speeds when Hurricane Milton reaches Florida?

Hurricane Milton is expected to weaken slightly as it approaches Florida but still maintain winds of around 144 mph. By the time it makes landfall, it could be a Category 3 hurricane, with winds potentially reaching 150 mph before weakening further.

What precautions should be taken for flash flooding and storm surge?

Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare for potential flash flooding and storm surge. Evacuations are recommended in areas like Fort Myers, Naples, Siesta Key, and Tampa. Some places may see up to three October’s worth of rain in a single day.

What is the long-term forecast for Hurricane Milton after landfall?

After landfall, Hurricane Milton is expected to weaken into a Category 1 hurricane as it crosses Florida, potentially becoming a tropical storm or post-tropical system once it moves back out to sea. The storm will not likely re-strengthen.