Parts of central Florida could receive up to 18 inches of rain over the next few days as Hurricane Milton approaches
Florida: As Hurricane Milton approaches landfall over the next several days, a graphic created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that areas of central Florida would get up to eighteen inches of rain.
The portion of central Florida that stretches from Tampa Bay in the west to an area north of Orlando in the east will be the worst hit by rainfall, according to NOAA. The federal agency has issued a warning that large portions of the Sunshine State may experience “catastrophic and life-threatening flash floods and urban flooding.”
By Thursday morning, Category 5 Hurricane Milton is predicted to make landfall in Florida’s west-central coast. Maximum sustained winds of almost 160 mph were forecast by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), with some stronger gusts. In order to monitor Milton’s approach, President Joe Biden has delayed his trip to Germany and Angola. He is also advising individuals who are under evacuation orders to go right now, calling it “a matter of life and death.”
The amount of rainfall forecast across Florida between Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET and Friday at the same time is seen on the NOAA map. According to the agency, through Thursday, 6 to 12 inches of rain, with locally higher totals of up to 18 inches, are predicted throughout the central and northern parts of the Florida peninsula. In addition to moderate to significant river flooding, this rainfall increases the possibility of catastrophic and perhaps fatal flash floods and urban floods.”
Although significant rainfall is predicted across a much larger region, with up to two inches as far north as Jacksonville and 2-4 inches for Fort Myers in the south, the worst-affected area is anticipated to be in that center belt.
Milton was traveling northeast into Florida at a speed of around 12 mph, according to the NHC’s most recent report, which was made public at 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Up to 30 miles from the center, hurricane-force winds and up to 140 miles of tropical storm-force winds were present.
According to CBS News, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis started issuing emergency orders over the weekend, and they are now in effect in 51 counties.
DeSantis said at a briefing on Tuesday that he believed the most current forecasts placed Milton someplace near Manatee County, just south of Tampa Bay.However, I would just advise folks that, first of all, the effects would extend much beyond the storm’s center. Two, you are able to touch down anywhere in Citrus County and Southwest Florida.”
DeSantis said, “Now is the time to execute your [evacuation] plan…but that time is running out,” referring to the impacted communities. Certain areas of Georgia and Florida have already been designated as states of emergency.
Milton was predicted by the NWS in Tampa Bay to be “a historic storm for the west coast of Florida” and perhaps the worst to impact the region in more than a century.
Prior to this, millions of Floridians were asked to leave their homes. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said, “There’s never been one like this.” Helene served as a wake-up call; the consequences are really dire. And I can state unequivocally: You will perish if you decide to remain in one of those evacuation zones.”
As Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26, it was a Category 4 hurricane that struck many states in the Southeast and killed 225 people.
Disney World in Florida has said that starting on Wednesday, a portion of its operations would be closed due to Milton.
“We are closely monitoring the projected storm’s path, and the safety of our guests and cast members remains our top priority,” the statement said. We are adjusting going forward in light of the most recent weather prediction and certain regions with particular conditions.”
