HURRICANE MILTON UPDATES: Hurricane Milton strengthens back to a Category 5 storm
ByWSBTV.com News Staff
Watches and warnings for Hurricane Milton (WSBTV.com News Staff)
ByWSBTV.com News Staff
ATLANTA — Severe Weather Team 2 is continuing to track Hurricane Milton as it moves closer to making landfall in Florida.
Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon said Milton is currently a Category 5 storm and is expected to make landfall on Florida sometime Wednesday night.
7:09 p.m. Usher reschedules three shows in Florida
The Atlanta at Miami game, previously scheduled for Thurs. Oct. 10 will now be played on Wed. Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. because of Hurricane Milton.
5:48 p.m. Disney World to close ahead of Milton
Disney World said its parks will close in phases as the hurricane approaches.
Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will close at 1 p.m. Wednesday while Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close one hour later.
The parks will likely stay closed on Thursday, Disney said.
5:42 p.m. American Airlines adds 2,000 seats for flights out of Florida
As Florida residents face urgent evacuation warnings ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall, American Airlines is adding 2,000 seats to flights out of Florida Tuesday, the airline said in a statement.
The airline said they will operate multiple additional flights out of Orlando International Airport “to allow customers who would like to evacuate by air the opportunity to do so.”
4:54 p.m. Hurricane Milton has strengthened back to Category 5
Hurricane Milton is once again a Category 5 storm.The Storm Surge Warning along the U.S. east coast has been extended southward to Sebastian Inlet, Florida, and northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. The Tropical Storm Warning along the U.S. east coast has been extended northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, covering Glynn and Camden counties.
4:11 p.m. Traffic bumper-to-bumper along I-75
The Georgia Department of Transportation says traffic volume along the interstate was up 280% between the Georgia-Florida state line and Macon.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued two executive orders on Tuesday afternoon.
The first extends a state of emergency for areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. The second declares a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Milton. Several counties along the Georgia coast are under tropical storm watch.
“As we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, I have extended the State of Emergency for affected counties. For as long as needed, we will work with those on the local level to ensure resources are available for those who need them following this devastating storm,” Kemp said.
“I have also ordered a State of Emergency for the counties within Hurricane Milton’s path until Oct. 16 as we prepare in advance for this major storm and any potential damages it may bring. I’m urging those who could be affected to prepare now!”
Channel 2′s Jorge Estevez spoke with Georgia Power, who said they are on standby ready to respond.
Typically states ask independent contractors and smaller companies before going to other state’s utilities, a spokesperson told Estevez.
2:00 p.m. NHC releases new data
The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Hunters flew back into the storm and found that the storm’s intensity has “rebounded.”
1:00 p.m. Evacuations finishing up
Florida officials are urging residents to finish their preparations on Tuesday.
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Hurricane Milton Weather Members of the Florida Army National Guard check for any remaining residents in nearly-deserted Bradenton Beach, where piles of debris from Hurricane Helene flooding still sits outside damaged homes ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, on Anna Maria Island, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Evacuees heading from Florida to Georgia to ride out Hurricane Milton
Area emergency team deployed to help for Hurricane Milton Photo contributed by State of Ohio-Butler County Incident Management Team (via Facebook) (State of Ohio-Butler County Incident Management Team (via Facebook) /State of Ohio-Butler County Incident Management Team (via Facebook))
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather A car sits half-buried in sand as Bradenton Beach, Fla., which was in the process of cleaning up after Hurricane Helene, as Hurricane Milton approaches on Anna Maria Island, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather In this image taken with a drone, traffic flows eastbound along Interstate 4 as residents continue to follow evacuation orders ahead of Hurricane Milton, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Members of the Florida Army National Guard stage on a beach as they prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather North Miami Beach, Fla., public service workers Roshad Smiley, left, and Mikhail Pollar, foreground, load sandbags to help prevent flooding, to residents cars as Hurricane Milton prepares to strike Florida, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in North Miami Beach. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Captain D.J. McCabe helps batten down a catamaran at the Downtown Sanford Marina on Lake Monroe in Sanford, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in preparation for the impact of Hurricane Milton. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) (Joe Burbank/AP)
Hurricane Milton Theme Parks Weather Calm weather greets tourists strolling past the various shops at the Disney Springs entertainment complex as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather North Miami Beach, Fla., public service worker Annarose Bellefleur shovels sand as workers load sandbags, to distribute to residents to help prevent flooding, as Hurricane Milton prepares to strike Florida, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in North Miami Beach. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Birdkeepers Austin Laroche and Madi Unwin move animals into a restroom at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in preparation for the impact of Hurricane Milton. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) (Joe Burbank/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Ted Carlson puts his best friend Evan Purcell's cat McKenzie into a pick-up truck as the pair recover her along with other important items from Purcell's home ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, as debris from Hurricane Helene damage to Purcell's garage level still sits alongside the driveway, in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. "This place couldn't handle Helene," said Carlson, predicting. "It's all going to be gone." (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton-Theme Parks FILE - Guests at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World brave wind and rain as bands of weather from Hurricane Debby pass through Central Florida, Aug. 5, 2024, in Bay Lake, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP, file) (Joe Burbank/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A sign on a closed Waffle House on Highway US 19 in anticipation of Hurricane Milton on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 8: Workers board up a business ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on October 8, 2024. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 8: Workers board up a business ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on October 8, 2024. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 8: Workers board up a business ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on October 8, 2024. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 8: Workers board up a business ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on October 8, 2024. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 8: Workers board up a business ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, US, on October 8, 2024. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps CLEARWATER, FL - OCTOBER 8 Leah Shackton checks her grandfather Eric Ashworth into a special needs shelter at Oak Grove Middle School in Clearwater, FL, as Hurricane Milton approached on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Shackton said her grandfather lives in a mobile home and was in the hospital when Hurricane Helene hit the area just days before. (Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) (The Washington Post/The Washington Post via Getty Im)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 8 Mike Greene is helped into a shuttle van by Andre Quinones following Greene's dialysis appointment at Saint Petersburg Kidney Center South in St. Petersburg, FL, as Hurricane Milton approached on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Greene, at Quinones' urging, was making plans to evacuate to Orlando later that evening. (Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) (The Washington Post/The Washington Post via Getty Im)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Sandbags are filled as the state prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 08, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps STUART, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 8: People fill bags with sand at a local park in preparation for Hurricane Milton on October 8, 2024 in Stuart, Florida. Milton, which came just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s central Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall midweek. (Photo by Saul Martinez/Getty Images) (Saul Martinez/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: Debris is piled up from the previous storm as preparations are made for Hurricane Milton's arrival on October 07, 2024, in Treasure Island, Florida. Milton, which came just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall midweek. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Dawn breaks over Tampa as the city braces for a direct hit from Hurricane Milton on October 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Sandbags are filled as the state prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 08, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: People continue to clean up from the previous storm as preparations are made for Hurricane Milton's arrival on October 07, 2024, in Treasure Island, Florida. Milton, which came just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall midweek. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Sandbags are filled and placed into cars in St. Petersburg, Florida, as the state prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 08, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: People continue to clean up from the previous storm as preparations are made for Hurricane Milton's arrival on October 07, 2024, in Treasure Island, Florida. Milton, which came just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall midweek. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: Boards are placed over the windows of a bar as the state prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 07, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which came just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall midweek. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: A weather alert is displayed along a sidewalk as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico on October 07, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Milton, which comes on heels of the destructive Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast near Tampa, where it is projected to make landfall Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: Traffic is heavy as thousands evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton as it churns in the Gulf of Mexico on October 07, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes on heels of the destructive Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast near St. Petersburg and Tampa, where it is projected to make landfall Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: A sign alerts customers that a store will be closed as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico on October 07, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Milton, which comes on heels of the destructive Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast near Tampa, where it is projected to make landfall Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: A weather alert is displayed on a phone as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico on October 07, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Milton, which comes on heels of the destructive Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast near Tampa, where it is projected to make landfall Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: Shelves at a grocery store are empty of bottled water as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico on October 07, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes on heels of the destructive Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast near St. Petersburg and Tampa, where it is projected to make landfall Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: A man rides through quiet streets as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico on October 07, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Milton, which comes on heels of the destructive Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast near Tampa, where it is projected to make landfall Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: The streets are nearly empty as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico on October 07, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Milton, which comes on heels of the destructive Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast near Tampa, where it is projected to make landfall Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: People walk in and out of a boarded-up 7-11 store as the state prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 08, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: People walk in and out of a boarded-up 7-11 store as the state prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 08, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton preps TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 07: A truck drives through the quiet streets as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico on October 07, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Milton, which comes on heels of the destructive Hurricane Helene, has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast near Tampa, where it is projected to make landfall Wednesday. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane-Milton Weather Highway signage announces the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton and the evacuations zones on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane-Milton Weather Debris from homes flooded in Hurricane Helene sits curbside as Hurricane Milton approaches on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Teams work to clean up debris from Hurricane Helene flooding ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather People move their boats ahead of Hurricane Milton, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Treasure Island, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A tattered American flag flaps outside a home as furniture and household items damaged by Hurricane Helene flooding sit piled along the street awaiting pickup, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A boarded up business, marked with graffiti reading "Go home Milton, U R drunk," is seen past debris from Hurricane Helene flooding piled up outside a home, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A message is seen outside of an apartment in the Davis Islands community of Tampa, Fla., as residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A person fills sand bags on the beach at the Davis Islands Yacht Basin while preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Susana Ortiz fills out sand bags on the beach at the Davis Islands Yacht Basin as she prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A passenger sleeps at the Tampa International Airport Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla., after most flights were canceled due to the possible arrival of Hurricane Milton. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Unusual Hurricane Season FILE - Workers board up a grocery store to protect it from Hurricane Milton, in Progreso, Yucatan state, Mexico, Oct. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Zetina, File) (Martin Zetina/AP)
Lake County inmates help fill sandbags for residents before arrival of Hurricane Milton
Lake County inmates help fill sandbags for residents before arrival of Hurricane Milton
Lake County inmates help fill sandbags for residents before arrival of Hurricane Milton
Major gridlock traffic on I-75 as people evacuate for Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton Weather Heavy traffic flows northbound on Interstate-75 as people evacuate the Tampa Bay area ahead of Hurricane Milton's arrival late Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Ocala, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton: Georgia National Guard ready to pivot to help with Hurricane Milton if needed The Georgia National Guard is actively assisting with recovery efforts all across Georgia following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. (PHOTO: Georgia National Guard)
Hurricane Milton Weather Jay McCoy puts up plywood in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Jay McCoy puts up plywood in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A shrimping boat makes her way back to port as hurricane flags fly at the Davis Islands Yacht Club, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Employees at The Goodz hardware store, remove all the merchandise in advance of Hurricane Milton, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A view of the Oelsner Indian Mound in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Port Richey, Fla. Local legend in the Tampa area is that Indian mounds help steer hurricanes away from the area. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Noah Weibel and his dog Cookie climb the steps to their home as their family prepares for Hurricane Milton on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather River Ridge High School principal Dr. Toni Zetzsche speaks with staff and volunteers as they ready the school for use as a shelter in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Pasco County evacuees await the opening of the shelter at River Ridge High School in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Gas pumps are covered at a station Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Clearwater Beach, Fla., ahead of the possible arrival of Hurricane Milton. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Rob Menard, owner of Reefers Social Club, finishes putting up boards and tape over windows Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Clearwater Beach, Fla., ahead of the possible arrival of Hurricane Milton. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A customer grabs a case of water at the Costco in Altamonte Springs, Fla., Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, as residents prepare for the impact of Hurricane Milton. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) (Joe Burbank/AP)
Hurricane Milton Motorists wait in line to fill gas tanks Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Riverview, Fla., before Hurricane Milton makes landfall along Florida's gulf coast. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
12:30 p.m.
Here are three things that Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan says you should know abut Hurricane Milton.
3 Things to Know About Hurricane Milton
11:00 a.m. NHC releases new data
Hurricane Milton is gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico as it continues to move toward Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest update.
The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Milton is still a Category 4 storm and now has 150 mph maximum sustained winds.
“Milton is a very powerful category 4 hurricane, wind 150 mph. Although winds may decrease some more, surge won’t. Major hurricane damage likely. Evacuate if ordered. The message is unchanged,” Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz said.
Tampa International Airport has suspended operations and will remain closed to the public “until it can assess any damage after the storm.”
The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will close at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday after its last flight departs. It will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
8:00 a.m. NHC releases new data
Additional hurricane and storm surge warnings have been issued for parts of the Florida east coast. The National Hurricane Center urges Floridians to finish their preparations and evacuate if they are told to do so.
5:00 a.m.
Hurricane Milton could be an “extremely life-threatening situation,” according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest update.
Overnight, the storm weakened some to a powerful Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph sustained wind. At one point yesterday, Milton was the fifth strongest storm on record in the Atlantic basin with winds of 180 mph.
While Milton is forecast to weaken some to a Category 3 hurricane at landfall, Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan says the wind field of the storm will be huge.
“That enormous tropical storm wind field – maybe up to about 300 miles across – will push a potential catastrophic storm surge onshore near and south of the center of Milton,” Monahan said.
Most all of Florida’s Gulf Coast is under either a Tropical Storm Warning or a Hurricane Warning. As of 5 a.m. on Tuesday, parts of coastal Georgia are under a Tropical Storm Watch.
Monahan also said southeast Georgia should will see some rain, stronger wind gusts, and storm surge from Milton, but metro Atlanta and north Georgia will only see sunshine and breezy weather as the storm passes to the southeast.
Parts of Florida have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders with thousands of people flocking north into Georgia looking for refuge from the storm.
The National Hurricane Center recommends finishing all preparations and leaving potentially dangerous areas by Tuesday night.
