Hurricane Milton is on its way less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend.
As of today (October 7), the storm has advanced to the highest category on the Saffir-Simpson storm wind scale. Category 5 describes winds reaching ‘157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher),’ resulting in ‘catastrophic destruction’. The statement predicts the demolishment of numerous framed homes, complete roof failure, and wall collapse. Trees and electricity poles that have fallen will cut off access to homes. Power outages could linger for weeks or months. The majority of the region will remain unusable for several weeks or months. However, the NHC and Central Pacific Hurricane Center warned: “The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a one-to-five rating based solely on a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed.” The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale does not factor in other potentially deadly hazards, like storm surges, downpour flooding, and tornadoes. Forecasters predict that Hurricane Milton will weaken to a category three storm by the time it reaches the west-central part of Florida’s Gulf Coast, initially making landfall in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday evening (October 9) before moving over to Orlando.
Category three still predicts ‘devastating damage will occur’ with gusts of ‘111-129 mph (178-208 km/hr),’ even though ‘well-built framed homes’ may sustain major damage or lose their roof decking and gable ends.
The storm will break or uproot many trees, obstructing several roadways. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days or weeks after the storm has passed. The unnamed hurricanes of 1909, 1910, 1929, 1933, 1945, and 1949 all reached South Florida as Category 3 storms, as did King in 1950, Betsy in 1965, Jeanne in 2004, and Irma in 2017, according to the National Hurricane Center. FOX Weather predicts that Hurricane Milton’s storm surge, with onshore winds potentially raising sea levels by 12 feet above ground level, will be the greatest to impact the Tampa Bay region in almost a century.
The Tampa Bay National Weather Service issued a warning: “Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous.”
Florida is preparing for the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma, encouraging residents throughout the state to leave. The state’s National Guard is reportedly recruiting 5,000 troops and plans to send another 3,000 out by Wednesday.