More than 2 million homes and businesses lost power Wednesday night after Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida’s Gulf Coast, spawning multiple tornadoes and causing flash flooding. As the storm made landfall, residents across the region were urged to evacuate. Forecasters have warned that Hurricane Milton could become “one of the most destructive hurricanes on record” for Florida’s west-central coast.
The Tampa Bay area is particularly vulnerable, with the National Weather Service issuing an extreme wind warning for Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties. Residents were told to “shelter in place” and treat the situation as if a tornado was imminent, moving immediately to safe rooms. Winds up to 77 mph have been recorded near St. Petersburg, and tropical-storm-force winds, along with heavy rains, have hit Florida’s western coast, sparking tornado watches.
Timeline of Key Events
- 6:36 p.m. EDT, Oct. 9: The National Weather Service issued an extreme wind warning for the Tampa Bay area as Hurricane Milton’s eyewall approached the coast. Residents in affected areas were told to treat the winds like an oncoming tornado.
- 6 p.m. EDT, Oct. 9: Winds of 77 mph were recorded at the mouth of Tampa Bay, with hurricane-force gusts expected to increase as the storm moves inland.
- 4 p.m. EDT, Oct. 9: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain had reached the western Florida coast, urging those in tornado watch zones to be ready to shelter immediately.
- 11:30 a.m. EDT, Oct. 9: Tampa’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge was closed due to increasing wind speeds, and other major roadways are expected to follow.
- 11:12 a.m. EDT, Oct. 9: The Waffle House Index, a measure used by FEMA to gauge the severity of disasters, was marked “red” as the chain announced widespread closures across Tampa, Fort Myers, and Orlando.
Current Warnings
- A hurricane warning is in effect for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, stretching from Bonita Beach in the south to the Suwannee River near the panhandle, and parts of the East Coast near Jacksonville.
- A storm surge warning is also in place, with surge levels expected to reach 9-13 feet in areas from Anna Maria Island to Boca Grande, and 6-9 feet in Tampa Bay. The combination of high tides and storm surge is predicted to cause severe flooding in coastal areas.
Storm Impacts and Forecast
Hurricane Milton is expected to bring 6-12 inches of rain, with some areas receiving as much as 18 inches. The NHC warns of “life-threatening flash flooding” across much of the Florida Peninsula. Tornado warnings remain active, particularly in southern Florida and along the I-95 corridor, with the risk of strong tornadoes persisting into Wednesday night.
Evacuations and Government Response
President Joe Biden has described Hurricane Milton as “a matter of life and death” and has urged Floridians to evacuate if they are in the storm’s path. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stark warning, saying, “If you stay in one of those evacuation zones, you’re going to die.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been coordinating with federal authorities, including President Biden, to ensure the state receives necessary aid. Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, along with Pinellas, Pasco, and Manatee counties, have all issued mandatory evacuations for vulnerable areas.
Travel Disruptions
Air travel has been severely impacted, with over 1,700 flight cancellations. Both Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport are closed until further notice. Major tourist attractions, including Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens, have also suspended operations.
Background
Hurricane Milton comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction in Florida and the southeastern U.S., killing over 200 people. Many Floridians are still recovering from the damage caused by Helene, and the state is bracing for what could be even greater devastation from Milton.
Storm Surge and Tornado Risks
The biggest dangers from Hurricane Milton include storm surge, with some areas expected to experience water levels as high as 12 feet above ground. Tornado risks remain high, with multiple warnings issued across central and southern Florida.
As the situation unfolds, the NHC and local officials continue to urge residents to follow evacuation orders and shelter in place if in the path of the storm.