Editor's note: A Spanish-language version is included at the end of this article.
The Air Force hurricane hunters have been flying reconnaissance missions inside Milton most of the day today. And they have found Milton to be rapidly intensifying. As of 2 p.m. today, Milton has been upgraded to a hurricane.
NHC: "AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTERS FIND MILTON RAPIDLY INTENSIFYING INTO A HURRICANE" pic.twitter.com/iztiuQe7Ko
— Bill McBride (@calculatedrisk) October 6, 2024
Millions of people across Florida are on alert as Hurricane Milton is forecast to hit the western central coast in about three days. Milton is expected to bring a potentially life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and torrential rains to the state.
If Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida, it will be the third to do so this season following the landfalls of Debby in August and Helene in September, in the Big Bend area of Florida.
The Tampa/St. Pete barrier islands sustained substantial storm surge damage from Hurricane Helene and crews are working around the clock to remove debris ahead of Milton.
For all asking. Extra debris management teams and the Florida National Guard are in town now helping with debris removal. The city is working on getting as much debris removed as possible before the next storm. pic.twitter.com/gnCB2JotxA
— Treasure Island, FL (@TresIslandFL) October 6, 2024
Hurricane and storm surge watches will likely issued for portions of Florida Sunday afternoon.
Florida residents should have their hurricane plan in place, and follow subsequent forecasts and official notices or evacuations. This is an evolving weather situation. Make sure to keep up with the forecast over the weekend and make sure your family’s hurricane plan is up to date.
In preparation for Hurricane #Milton you should sign up for the Special Needs Registry if:
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) October 6, 2024
- You're medically dependent on power
- You need transportation to evacuate
- You need assistance in accessing medication during a disaster
Register -> https://t.co/aJmbHITUcX pic.twitter.com/LGQuTtpqG6
A full update with a new forecast path will come from the National Hurricane Center at 5 p.m. today.
versión en español abajo
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Spanish versionMilton se convirtió en huracán. Florida se prepara para un gran huracán a mediados de semanaLos cazadores de huracanes de la Fuerza Aérea han estado realizando misiones de reconocimiento dentro de Milton durante la mayor parte del día de hoy y han descubierto que Milton se está intensificando rápidamente. A las 2:00 p.m. de esta tarde, Milton ha sido clasificado como huracán.Millones de personas en toda Florida están en alerta, ya que se pronostica que el huracán Milton golpeará la costa central occidental en aproximadamente 3 días. Se espera que Milton traiga una marejada ciclónica potencialmente mortal, vientos dañinos y lluvias torrenciales al estado.
Si el huracán Milton toca tierra en Florida, será el tercero en hacerlo esta temporada después de las llegadas de Debby en agosto y Helene en septiembre, en el área de Big Bend de Florida.Las islas de barrera de Tampa/St. Pete sufrieron daños sustanciales por marejadas ciclónicas y los equipos están trabajando las 24 horas para eliminar los escombros antes de Milton.Es probable que se emitan vigilancias de huracán y marejada ciclónica para partes de Florida esta tarde.Los residentes de Florida deben tener su plan de huracanes en marcha y seguir los pronósticos y los avisos oficiales o evacuaciones posteriores. Esta es una situación meteorológica en evolución. Asegúrese de mantenerse al día con el pronóstico durante el fin de semana y de que el plan de su familia para huracanes esté actualizado.El Centro Nacional de Huracanes proporcionará una actualización completa con una nueva trayectoria pronosticada a las 5:00 p. m. de hoy.
Copyright 2024 Storm Center