As Florida braces for one of the most devastating hurricanes in recent memory, Hurricane Milton continues its march toward the state’s western coastline. Residents and authorities alike are on high alert as the storm inches closer, with widespread evacuations already underway in preparation for the impact. Below, we’ll detail everything you need to know about the hurricane’s arrival, its path, and the risks posed by this formidable storm.
When Will Hurricane Milton Make Landfall?
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has projected that Hurricane Milton will make landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. At the time of its expected arrival, Milton is anticipated to be a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds near 130 mph (209 km/h). This timing places it in the early hours of Thursday when the full brunt of the storm will be felt along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Meteorologists are particularly concerned about the storm’s path, which seems to be honing in on the densely populated Tampa Bay area. Although hurricanes are notorious for last-minute shifts in direction, all current data points to a direct hit. This means that residents in and around the Gulf Coast, especially Tampa, should prepare for the worst overnight into Thursday.
Why Hurricane Milton is a Historic Storm
Milton is already being described as one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever form in the Atlantic. On Monday, the storm rapidly intensified into a Category 5, reaching wind speeds of 155 mph (250 km/h). Although it weakened slightly to a Category 4 overnight, Milton remains one of the 42 Atlantic hurricanes to ever reach Category 5 strength, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is only the third Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic basin since 2020, following in the destructive paths of Ian (2022) and Lee (2023).
Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents along Florida’s western coast to evacuate immediately, especially those in low-lying areas and barrier islands. “If you are in one of those evacuation zones, the time to leave is now,” he said during a press briefing Monday. Evacuations have already been ordered in six counties, including Hillsborough, Charlotte, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando.
Potential Impacts on Florida
With Hurricane Milton expected to bring hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, and catastrophic storm surges, Florida’s Gulf Coast is facing a dangerous combination of threats. The NHC warns that Tampa Bay could see storm surges of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) in some areas, potentially submerging coastal communities and causing widespread flooding. The region is still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago, making Milton’s impact all the more dire.
Jane Castor, the mayor of Tampa, has been vocal in urging residents to take evacuation orders seriously. This dire warning comes as many residents remember the devastating storm surge that followed Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding in St. Pete Beach and other areas.
How Does Milton Compare to Previous Hurricanes?
Hurricane Milton stands out not only because of its size and strength but also because of the timing. Coming so soon after Helene, it is the second major hurricane to hit Florida in less than two weeks and the fifth hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. this year. The region’s infrastructure is already weakened, and emergency services are stretched thin, making recovery efforts even more challenging.
Historically, Florida has faced devastating hurricanes, but few have had the potential for destruction that Milton now holds. Experts compare its path and potential impact to Hurricane Charley in 2004, which rapidly shifted direction and intensified before making landfall, catching many off guard.
Storm Surge and Flooding: The Biggest Threat
One of the most dangerous aspects of Hurricane Milton is the threat of a massive storm surge. Storm surges occur when the hurricane’s winds push ocean water onto land, causing a sudden and extreme rise in sea levels. According to the NHC, storm surges along the Gulf Coast could range from 10 to 15 feet in certain areas, enough to flood entire communities.
Tampa Bay is particularly vulnerable, as much of the city is built on low-lying ground. In some cases, storm surge flooding could persist for days after the hurricane passes, trapping residents and slowing down emergency response efforts. The combination of storm surge and heavy rainfall, expected to exceed 20 inches in some areas, will make for a deadly and destructive event.
Preparations and Evacuations
Emergency management teams are working around the clock to prepare for Hurricane Milton’s arrival. Evacuations have already been mandated in many areas, and shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced residents. The Florida Division of Emergency Management advises all residents to follow local evacuation orders and have an emergency plan in place.
As the storm’s outer bands begin to affect Florida, the state is also on alert for potential tornadoes, another dangerous element commonly associated with hurricanes. Tornado warnings have been issued in various parts of the state, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed all weather advisories.