Hurricane Milton has intensified this morning, expanding in size as its strength fluctuates. The larger the hurricane grows, the wider its damaging winds will reach, posing a significant threat to Florida.
Initially, Milton's tropical storm-force winds extended about 80 miles from its center on Monday. However, as of this morning, the wind field has expanded to just over 100 miles. While Milton remains relatively compact, the National Hurricane Center predicts that its wind field will continue to grow as it approaches Florida.
The official forecast indicates that the hurricane's wind field is expected to double in size by the time it makes landfall in Florida on Wednesday night. At that point, Milton's tropical storm-force winds are projected to extend approximately 230 miles outward from its center, covering the entire width of the state's Peninsula.
The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings about the potential impacts of Hurricane Milton, emphasizing that damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall will extend well beyond the forecast cone. Residents in Florida are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the evolving situation.