Hurricane Milton intensifies to Category 5, the highest level on the U.S. scale with wind speeds up to 270 km/h, expected to weaken to Category 3 before making landfall in Florida.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that at 5 PM on October 8th (4 AM October 9th Hanoi time), Hurricane Milton strengthened from Category 4 to Category 5, the highest on the 5-level scale. Previously, Milton had reached Category 5 on the morning of October 7th but then weakened to Category 4 on the morning of October 8th.
The hurricane’s intensity is expected to fluctuate over the next 36 hours and will likely weaken to Category 3 before making landfall on the west coast of Florida late on October 9th or early October 10th. Milton is currently about 770 km southwest of Tampa.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there have been 41 Category 5 hurricanes recorded in the Atlantic before Milton. The two most recent Category 5 hurricanes in the area were Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Lee in 2023.
The National Weather Service branch in Tampa Bay, western Florida, warns that Hurricane Milton could cause storm surges up to three meters high. Hurricane Helene, which hit Florida in September, caused storm surges over two meters high.
The western area of Orange County, Florida, is expected to receive 250-380 mm of rainfall. This area includes Orlando, with theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios.
U.S. President Joe Biden earlier urged people in evacuation zones in Florida to immediately move to safe locations, calling it a matter of life and death. He described Milton as the worst hurricane to hit Florida in over a century.
Nine counties in Florida have issued mandatory evacuation orders, with local authorities urging people to move as soon as possible to avoid traffic jams.
Some airlines have added extra flights from Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Sarasota due to highway congestion and many gas stations running out of fuel.
Governor Ron DeSantis stated that towns and counties in Florida are in danger. “Basically, the entire Florida peninsula is under a watch or warning,” he said.
Experts suggest that global warming is making hurricanes more intense, as warmer ocean surfaces create more water vapor and provide energy for hurricanes to strengthen.
Hurricane Milton seen from space. video: NASA
Strongly Advised Against Visiting Florida National Parks
Date: October 9, 2024
Due to the imminent threat of Hurricane Milton, we strongly advise against visiting national parks in Florida at this time. The safety of visitors is our utmost priority, and current weather conditions pose significant risks.
Key points:
- Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is approaching Florida’s coast.
- National parks are implementing emergency protocols and may close without notice.
- Severe weather can cause dangerous conditions including flooding, falling trees, and wildlife displacement.
- Emergency services may be limited or unavailable in park areas.
- Roads to and within parks may become impassable or closed.
We urge all potential visitors to:
- Postpone any planned trips to Florida’s national parks until further notice.
- Stay informed about weather updates and park closures through official channels.
- Follow all evacuation orders and safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
If you are already in Florida:
- Leave park areas immediately and seek safe shelter as advised by local emergency management.
- Have an emergency plan and kit ready.
- Stay tuned to local news for updates on the hurricane’s progress and safety instructions.
Your safety is paramount. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this dangerous weather event.