Hurricane Milton intensified sharply at 7:10 a.m. local time and became one of the strongest storms ever recorded as it moved rapidly toward Florida's densely populated coast, including Tampa Bay. Milton is forecast to be the "most powerful hurricane in more than 100 years" to make landfall in Tampa Bay.
Residents here are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which hit nearly two weeks ago. Forecasters warn that Milton’s path is uncertain when it makes landfall, but it is likely to head toward the Tampa Bay area, which hasn’t seen a major hurricane since 1921. Counties along the Tampa Bay coast have ordered evacuations.
The region is home to more than 3 million people and is highly vulnerable to severe weather. When Hurricane Helene made landfall, more than 100 miles north of Tampa Bay, it destroyed homes and killed dozens of people. Many of the victims were elderly residents who had not evacuated.
Debris from Hurricane Helene still lines the streets in some of the hardest-hit areas, with local authorities working to clear the debris before items such as stoves, tables, broken concrete slabs and metal are blown away by Hurricane Milton.
In addition, hundreds of ambulances were mobilized to help evacuate patients from hospitals and nursing homes. Tampa Bay is home to a large elderly population.
Milton is expected to make landfall late on October 9 as an “extremely life-threatening” major hurricane, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). Potentially catastrophic storm surges of more than 10 feet are expected in some areas, including Tampa Bay, which could cause flooding. The storm is dangerous as it strengthens from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in just 24 hours.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tampa Bay warns that if Milton continues to move in its current direction, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa Bay area in more than 100 years.
The storm will weaken to a Category 3 when it makes landfall, but could have a significant impact on the extent of damage suffered by communities. It is not possible to rule out the possibility that the storm will remain above Category 3 strength when it makes landfall.
The back-to-back storms could bring catastrophic damage to the region. If you have plans to travel to the Tampa Bay area this week, consider postponing your travel, actively monitoring weather forecasts, and following all instructions from local authorities.
