Tampa weather | Tracking Hurricane Milton

Summary

Meteorologist Dave Osterberg provides an update on Hurricane Milton and current weather conditions. While light showers are present in northern counties, they aren't connected to the hurricane. Milton has intensified into a Category 2 storm, with winds over 100 mph and is expected to strengthen further. The hurricane is projected to make landfall on Florida's west coast, potentially between Cedar Key and Fort Myers, by late Wednesday. Osterberg highlights the uncertainty about its exact path and intensity at landfall, urging preparation. Post-hurricane, weather from Friday to Sunday looks favorable.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ Light showers are currently affecting northern counties, but these are not related to the hurricane.
• 🌀 Hurricane Milton is intensifying, now a Category 2 storm with winds around 100 mph, likely to become a major hurricane.
• 🌩️ Lightning near the eyewall signals the ongoing intensification of the storm.
• ⚠️ A hurricane is expected to hit the west coast of Florida by late Wednesday, with impacts stretching into Thursday morning.
• 🌪️ The exact landfall location is still uncertain within a 100-mile range from Cedar Key to Fort Myers.
• 📉 The storm is expected to weaken before making landfall, though the timing of this weakening is unclear.
• 🌀 Hurricane and tropical storm watches are in effect along Florida’s west coast, including inland areas.
• 🌊 Storm surge watches are also in place, with forecast numbers expected soon.
• 📅 The storm should move out by Thursday, with clear weather anticipated for Friday through Sunday.
• 🛑 Emergency managers are preparing a response plan, and the community is urged to stay updated for more details.

Q & A

What is the current weather situation in the northern counties?

The northern counties, such as Brooksville and Inverness, are experiencing light showers. However, these showers are not a major concern at the moment.

Is the current rain in the region related to Hurricane Milton?

No, the current rain is not related to Hurricane Milton. The hurricane is still in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, and its impacts are not expected until Wednesday.

What is the expected temperature for today?

Temperatures are starting off in the 70s and are expected to stay below 80 degrees, with cloudy and breezy conditions along with some scattered rain.

What is the current intensity of Hurricane Milton?

Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds near its center, showing signs of intensification.

When is Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall?

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida late Wednesday, possibly after sunset, with the storm moving out by Thursday morning.

How is Hurricane Milton expected to evolve as it approaches the coast?

Hurricane Milton is expected to intensify, possibly reaching Category 4 status. However, it is likely to weaken before making landfall due to wind shear.

What areas are currently under hurricane watches and storm surge watches?

Hurricane watches are in effect up and down the west coast of Florida, along with storm surge watches. Inland areas are also included in these watches.

What are the key uncertainties regarding Hurricane Milton?

The key uncertainties are the exact location of landfall and how much the storm will weaken before making landfall. These details will be fine-tuned in the coming days.

Will inland areas experience hurricane-force winds?

Yes, inland areas may experience hurricane-force winds, depending on the storm’s intensity at landfall.

What can people expect in terms of weather after the hurricane passes?

Once the hurricane moves out on Thursday, the weather is expected to improve, with beautiful days forecasted for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.