Milton is expected to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane and make landfall in Florida this week, days after developing in the Gulf of Mexico. According to Latest updates As of Monday morning, the Hurricane Center reported winds of up to 160 mph in Milton, meeting the criteria for a Category 5 hurricane.
“Milton is expected to move slowly but rapidly intensify,” the Hurricane Center said in a statement early Sunday. “There is increasing confidence that a strong, life-threatening hurricane is likely to impact portions of Florida's west coast around the middle of this week.”
around CBS Newsthe most likely path is for Milton to make landfall in or near the Tampa Bay area by 2 a.m. ET on Thursday (October 10) and continue moving across central Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean as a hurricane. forecasters said.
The path would largely avoid other southeastern states affected by Hurricane Helen, which hit the southeastern United States last week and killed more than 230 people.
CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson said Milton is considered a smaller storm than Helen, but it appears to be moving toward more populated areas, causing storm surge in some places. may cause major problems.
Areas of Florida's coast, including Tampa Bay, could experience storm surges up to 12 feet above normal water levels if they occur at the same time as high tide.
CBS News Miami meteorologist KC Sherman noted that flooding from the storm's early impacts was reported Sunday in areas of South Florida, including Miami-Dade County and the Everglades.
“Milton is expected to move slowly but rapidly intensify,” the Hurricane Center said in a statement early Sunday. “There is increasing confidence that a strong, life-threatening hurricane is likely to impact portions of Florida's west coast around the middle of this week.”
As of Sunday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had declared a state of emergency for at least 51 counties.
“We have time to prepare,” he said, urging Floridians to “make sure you have a hurricane preparedness plan in place.”
Updated Monday 10:55 AM Central Time: Milton has rapidly strengthened to become a Category 5 hurricane. data from @53rdWRS Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicated maximum sustained winds had increased to 160 mph (250 kph) and gusts had increased. Follow the latest information https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/mOxuvGdtu5
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 7, 2024
“Know your evacuation zone. There are mandatory evacuations and voluntary evacuations,” DeSantis said.
Prayer for Hurricane Milton
Lord, we lift up those in the path of Hurricane Milton. Lord, we pray for your blessings on the residents of Florida and all those who may be affected by the wrath of this storm. Heavenly Father, Lord, we ask you to calm the winds and waves and give wisdom and strength to those who are preparing for this storm. We guide first responders who work tirelessly to protect the vulnerable, comfort those in fear, and keep our communities safe. Lord, I pray for all those affected by this storm, including friends and family who are waiting to hear from their loved ones after such a natural disaster. We pray for the safety of everyone in these uncertain times. In the name of Jesus, amen.
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