Hurricane Milton’s exact landfall remains uncertain, but even a minor shift in its path could spell disaster for Tampa. Milton, now a Category 4 storm as of Wednesday, is approaching the Florida Peninsula and is expected to hit overnight.
The National Hurricane Center has labelled Milton as ‘extremely life-threatening,’ with predictions that Tampa Bay will bear the brunt of its destruction. Tampa Bay, home to around three-and-a-half million residents, faces the highest risk of storm surge. Current forecasts suggest Milton could push 8 to 12 feet of seawater ashore if it stays on its predicted path.
The extent of storm surges will vary based on Milton’s landfall. If Milton strikes south of Tampa Bay, it could create a ‘reverse’ surge, draining the bay. However, a landfall 10 to 20 miles north could inundate the area with water. Rick Davis, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, noted that predicting Milton’s path is challenging, with a margin of error of about 25 miles 12 hours before landfall. This small difference could significantly impact storm surge conditions in Tampa Bay.
Milton was on a collision course for the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, home to more than 3mn people, though forecasters said the path could vary – likely bringing a deadly storm surge of 10-feet.@RiseGS pic.twitter.com/kLd0NP32w5
— TheRealLaine (@thereallaine) October 9, 2024
Davis explained that the jet stream’s fluctuations heavily influence Milton’s path. “Any slight change in the jet stream can shift the storm’s direction,” he said, describing the situation as “very chaotic.” Earlier today, the National Hurricane Center advised people not to focus on the precise landfall point, stating that Milton’s exact location is unpredictable, especially if the hurricane wobbles throughout the day and evening.
Weather prediction is inherently uncertain, and hurricanes add another layer of difficulty. Milton’s projected landfall has shifted north and south over the past 24 hours and will likely continue to do so. Davis emphasized the chaotic nature of weather, saying, “It’s weather. It’s chaos. There’s inherently uncertainty in the weather.”
Milton has taken a pretty large jog north, this puts the Tampa area at risk. Catastrophic storm surge is likely across a lot of the Tampa area and points south. pic.twitter.com/K9suusLRRk
— James Pettus (@PettusWX) October 9, 2024
Despite the unpredictability of Milton’s exact landfall and storm surge magnitude, the National Hurricane Center warned that the risk of devastating storm surges persists along much of Florida’s west-central and southwest coast due to the storm’s size and the landfall uncertainties. To support the American Red Cross in providing aid to crisis victims.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News highlights the uncertainty and urgency as Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, makes landfall in Florida, threatening extensive damage and prompting evacuation orders affecting millions.(read more)
- CBS News reports on Hurricane Milton’s path to Florida’s west coast, emphasizing its potential historic impact, mass evacuations, and life-threatening storm surge, despite recent cleanup efforts from Hurricane Helene.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Where is Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall?
Milton’s exact landfall point is uncertain, but it is forecasted to make landfall overnight near the Florida Peninsula.
How severe is Hurricane Milton?
Hurricane Milton is a Category 4 storm, described as ‘extremely life-threatening’ by the National Hurricane Center.
What impact could Hurricane Milton have on Tampa Bay?
Milton could push 8 to 12 feet of seawater onto shore, causing potential storm surges or even a ‘reverse’ storm surge if it hits south.
Why is predicting Hurricane Milton’s path difficult?
Milton’s path is influenced by shifts in the jet stream, making its track chaotic and hard to predict accurately.
How can I help the victims of Hurricane Milton?
You can donate to the American Red Cross to provide food, supplies, shelter, and emotional support to victims.