HOUSTON – Major Hurricane Milton has restrengthened into a Category 5 hurricane as of the 4 p.m. NHC update Tuesday.

The storm poses a significant threat to a large portion of western Florida that will lead to devastating impacts including life-threatening storm surges, widespread power outages and flash flooding.

Milton’s Track:

Milton is roaring as a Category 5 storm with 165 mph winds, raking across the northern end of the Yucatan Peninsula before moving back into open Gulf.

Milton is expected to slow before making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday evening.

Impacts:

Storm Surge:

As expected, a powerful hurricane like Milton will have many impacts along the western coast of Florida. The most dangerous is an intense storm surge, that could reach up to 15-20 feet in some areas. The effects of Milton’s storm surge will likely extend multiple miles away from the center of landfall.

Wind Speeds:

Milton is forecasted to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. This will bring widespread wind damage, and likely widespread power outages. On the map below, you can see nearly the entire state will see at least tropical storm force winds.

Where there are hurricane force winds, you can expect to see power outages. One thing that will not help is the debris that is still on the streets in Florida after Helene pushed through last week.

Rainfall Totals:

Although Milton is forecasted to move through Florida quickly, it will still bring heavy tropical downpours. Forecast rainfall totals range from 6-12″ where the center of the storm passes through.

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