AccuWeather: Florida Gulf Coast To Brace For Heavy Rain, Storm Surge, And Powerful Winds From Hurricane Milton

Expert meteorologists are urging Florida’s Gulf Coast residents, businesses, and emergency officials to prepare for severe weather impacts from Hurricane Milton, expected to make landfall midweek. Widespread heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous storm surges are forecast for much of the peninsula, with the potential to cause significant damage, especially in areas already affected by Hurricane Helene.

“People in cities that are still reeling from the record storm surge produced by Hurricane Helene will once again face a significant risk for storm surge flooding and coastal inundation, flooding rainfall, damaging wind gusts and lengthy power outages,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. “The potential for rapid intensification is certainly a risk that AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring very closely.” 

Read: Tampa Closes Comfort Stations As Tropical Storm Milton Approaches

AccuWeather experts issued the first hurricane track forecast early Saturday, well before other sources, warning that Milton could rapidly intensify and become a major hurricane. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter cautioned, “This is an unusual and extremely concerning forecast track for a hurricane approaching the Tampa Bay area. Milton could rapidly intensify into a major hurricane with extreme impacts. This hurricane could create a life-threatening storm surge. Please make sure your family and in friends in this area are prepared.” 

The storm system, currently a tropical rainstorm in the Gulf of Mexico, is moving through favorable conditions for rapid strengthening.

Heavy rain is expected to start impacting Florida by Sunday, raising the risk of flooding. The worst impacts are predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday, as Milton crosses the state, potentially bringing 120-140 mph winds at landfall and dangerous storm surge, especially in areas like Tampa that are vulnerable.

Read: Hurricane Milton Looms: Florida Faces Another Potential Hurricane Threat

Key Impacts Forecast:

• Rainfall: 4-8 inches of rain across central and southern Florida, with localized totals of 8-12 inches, and an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 30 inches.
• Wind: Gusts of 60-80 mph across much of Florida, with up to 140 mph near landfall areas.
• Storm Surge: Dangerous surges expected late Tuesday through Wednesday, affecting both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
• Tornadoes: Quick-moving tornadoes are also a risk in central and South Florida.

AccuWeather is advising the public to prepare now, as the hurricane could disrupt recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Major flooding, road closures, and widespread power outages are expected, particularly in coastal regions.

The storm is expected to pass through Florida by Thursday, with conditions improving afterward. AccuWeather experts are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as Milton continues to develop.

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