NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen with winds at around 90 miles per hour.
Milton is moving eastward at approximately 7 mph and is expected to turn northeast and pick up speed over the next two to three days, approaching Florida’s west coast within 72 hours.
The National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) forecast track follows a similar path to previous updates, though slightly slower, in line with the latest model consensus. It’s important to note that the average track error at day three is about 100 miles, so the exact landfall location of Milton remains uncertain.
Milton is forecast to continue moving over waters with very high ocean heat content, within an environment of light wind shear and lots of moisture for the next one to two days.
The NHC forecast calls for rapid intensification, with Milton expected to reach Category 4 strength by Tuesday. However, stronger upper-level westerly winds over the northern Gulf of Mexico are forecast to increase wind shear in the next 60-72 hours.
This could lead to some weakening before Milton reaches Florida’s Gulf Coast. Nevertheless, it is still expected to be a large and powerful major hurricane at landfall, posing life-threatening risks to parts of the Florida Peninsula.
While it is too early to determine the exact impact areas, there is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for parts of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula, starting early Wednesday. Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches will likely be issued by early Monday.
Areas of heavy rainfall will begin impacting parts of Florida on Monday, well ahead of Milton’s arrival. Heavier rain directly related to the hurricane is expected from Tuesday through Wednesday night, with a risk of flash flooding, urban flooding, and potentially major river flooding.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
