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Channel 9’s meteorologists are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton as it heads toward Florida.
For the most recent updates, you can follow here.
Currently, Hurricane Milton is classified as a powerful Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching up to 160 mph.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory, which was released at 8 p.m., Milton still maintains 165 mph winds, signifying its status as a formidable Category 5 hurricane.
Recent measurements from Hurricane Hunters indicate an exceptionally low minimum atmospheric pressure within the storm.
Despite a slight downgrade to Category 4, Milton continues to pose a significant threat as a major hurricane.
The hurricane is maintaining its Category 5 classification with slightly diminished wind speeds.
As Milton intensifies, a number of Hurricane Warnings have been issued across large areas of Central Florida.
11 p.m. Update
Meteorologist David Heckard confirmed that Milton retains its categorization as a Category 5 hurricane en route to Florida.
The 11 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center shows Milton as an intense Category 5 storm with winds of 160 mph. While it may weaken as it nears the state on Wednesday, it remains anticipated to be a major hurricane upon landfall.
Current forecasts indicate that Milton will make landfall between the Tampa Bay area and the Suncoast early Thursday morning, subsequently tracking across Central Florida overnight.
The western coast of Florida is bracing for a likely direct hit from this major hurricane, bringing catastrophic storm surges, powerful winds, and heavy rainfall.
Central Florida can expect significant impacts, including hurricane-force winds exceeding 74 mph and rainfall ranging from 8 to 14 inches, alongside the possibility of tornadoes.
Stay tuned to Channel 9 for the latest on Hurricane Milton.
10:30 p.m. Update
Forecasts predict substantial storm surge along Florida’s east coast in association with Milton.
The most severe storm surge is anticipated to peak Thursday afternoon during high tide.
8 p.m. Update
Milton persists as a strong Category 5 hurricane in the southern Gulf.
The 8 p.m. briefing from the National Hurricane Center maintains 165 mph winds, solidifying its position as an intense Category 5 storm.
Milton had earlier been downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane earlier in the day.
A Storm Surge Warning is currently active for the entire east coast of Central Florida, predicting a storm surge of 3-5 feet across the region.
The storm is likely to weaken slightly before making landfall on Wednesday; however, it is expected to retain its major hurricane status when it strikes the coast.
The updated forecast trajectory suggests Milton will hit the west coast of Florida early on Thursday, with impacts traveling across Central Florida overnight.
The potential for a significant hurricane impact in parts of the west coast remains high, promising catastrophic conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds.
We continue to anticipate that Central Florida will experience considerable effects from Milton.
5:30 p.m. Update
Hurricane Hunters have recorded dangerously low pressure within Hurricane Milton.
The atmospheric pressure has plummeted to 905 mb, a drop from 918 mb noted in the previous advisory, indicating a strengthening storm.
Wind speeds remain at 165 mph and may rise further as night falls.
4:30 p.m. Update
The City of Melbourne has declared a local state of emergency.
In addition, the Osceola County School District has announced the closure of all public schools from Wednesday through Friday.
For a complete list of these closures, see here.
3:25 p.m. Update
Governor Ron DeSantis is set to hold a press conference to discuss preparations for Hurricane Milton.
1:48 p.m. Update
The Florida Highway Patrol reports heavy traffic in northbound and eastbound lanes on interstate highways amid evacuation efforts.
Emergency shoulder lanes have been activated on sections of I-75 and I-4.
Those wishing to evacuate are encouraged to do so promptly.
12:08 p.m. Update
In light of Hurricane Milton’s approach, SeaWorld Orlando has announced temporary closures of its theme parks.
SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove will be closed Wednesday and Thursday to ensure safety for guests, staff, and animals.
11:18 a.m. Update
As Hurricane Milton continues to gain strength in the Gulf of Mexico, winds are currently around 150 mph, and the storm is moving toward the east-northeast at 9 mph.
Milton is poised to regain Category 5 status this afternoon and is projected to significantly expand in size as it approaches the Florida coastline.
10:50 a.m. Update
Officials are cautioning the public against looting and theft in the aftermath of the storm.
10 a.m. Update
Duke Energy has ramped up its preparedness efforts ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall.
5 a.m. Update
NOAA has confirmed that Milton is nearly back to Category 5 status after a brief decline to Category 4.
2 a.m. Update
The latest advisory notes that Milton is maintaining a strong Category 4 level with winds of 155 mph, with expectations to remain a formidable major hurricane as it approaches Florida.
Original Story
Hurricane Milton is still a Category 5 hurricane, albeit with slightly weaker winds.
The 11 p.m. advisory noted winds at 165 mph, showing some minor weakening. However, reports indicate that Milton remains one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Gulf.
Hurricane Warnings are in effect for a majority of Central Florida, warning residents of winds expected to exceed over 74 mph late Wednesday into Thursday.
For information on securing sandbags in Central Florida, click here.
As Milton continues its trajectory, officials urge preparedness and adherence to local advisories to ensure safety.
Source
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