Source – NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft reveals an increase for life-threatening impacts to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a hurricane on Sunday, and a major hurricane by midweek, according to the National Hurricane Center.
It has current maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and is moving east at 5 mph.
Milton is forecasted to reach Category 3 major hurricane strength with 115 mph winds as it heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to weaken to a Category 2 before it makes landfall.
The risk for life-threatening impacts continues to increase for parts of the state’s west coast, as the storm-force winds are extending outward up to 35 miles from the center.
Hurricane and storm surge watches for Florida are likely to be made later on Sunday, the NHC said. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for Mexico’s Celestun to Cancun.
Max Defender 8’s Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli said heavy downpours will begin Sunday as the first wave of moisture reaches Florida’s coast.
“Given that the ground is saturated after one of the rainiest wet seasons on record, any downpours will lead to flooding,” Berardelli said.
Note: As of September 12, 2024, Jacksonville, Florida has received 56.25 inches of rain, which is more than 16 inches above normal
