Hurricane Milton Update: Category 3, Several Tornadoes Expected

UPDATE 10/9/2024 5:30 p.m.: Per the 5 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Milton is now a Category 3 and continues to travel at 17 mph. Hurricane-force winds are still extending 35 miles outward from the center. Maximum sustained winds are around 120 mph with higher gusts

The NHC notes, "Several tornadoes, possibly including a few strong tornadoes, are likely this afternoon and tonight across parts of central and southern Florida."

As previously reported, storm surge continues to be a major concern with Hurricane Milton. The NHC's storm surge warning includes the following areas:

NHC reports rising waters could reach the following heights in the following areas:

Meteorologist Denis Phillips from Tampa Bay's ABC Action News reports, "Hurricane Milton continues to moves closer to the coast. Still a major hurricane. Heavy rain and very strong winds will continue for hours. Landfall will occur around 9pm. The eye is about 50 miles SSW of Sarasota. We will keep you posted with more updates throughout!"

ORIGINAL STORY
Hurricane Milton, now a Category 4, continues to make its way toward the west-central coast of Florida, with the center expected to make landfall tonight (October 9).

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) shared in its 11 a.m. public advisory that Milton is traveling around 17 mph, and the center will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today. Maximum sustained winds are around 145 mph with higher gusts, and it will maintain hurricane strength as it moves across Florida. Hurricane-force winds are extending 35 miles outward from the center. Milton is projected to move off the east coast of Florida and over the western Atlantic Ocean on Thursday (October 10).

The NHC notes, "Several tornadoes are likely today and tonight across parts of central and southern Florida." NBC2 confirms a tornado has touched down in Collier County at the Big Cypress National Preserve.

In an update from 10 a.m. today, the NHC said, "Now is the time to rush to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings."

Storm surge continues to be a major concern with Hurricane Milton. The NHC's storm surge warning includes the following areas:

The NHC notes, "The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline." NHC reports rising waters could reach the following heights in the following areas:

Rainfall continues to be a projected issue that will bring a significant increase in flash and urban flooding and moderate to major river flooding. NHC says, "Rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches, with localized totals up to 18 inches, are expected across central to northern portions of the Florida Peninsula through Thursday."

Meteorologist Denis Phillips from Tampa Bay's ABC Action News added regarding the 11 a.m. update, "Milton weakens and increases in forward speed. Landfall now expected to be earlier. As expected, shear is causing the storm to slowly weaken, but also expand the wind field. Hurricane force winds extend 35 miles out. No changes were made to the track."