Hurricane Milton is expected to increase in size and intensity as it approaches Florida, posing life-threatening impacts over a larger area. Tropical alerts are in effect across the state, with hurricane watches extending well inland over much of the Peninsula and nearing the Atlantic coast. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for the possibility of hurricane-force winds within the next 48 hours.
The most significant threats from Hurricane Milton will be damaging wind gusts, flooding rainfall, and the potential for tornadoes. The National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, has issued warnings for strong tropical storm and/or hurricane-force wind gusts, with the possibility of tornadoes on Wednesday.
With less than 48 hours before conditions become too dangerous for storm preparations, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Inland areas may experience hurricane-force winds before Milton weakens over land, with tropical storm-force winds expected to persist over the state.
Forecasters predict wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph in the Orlando area on Wednesday night, with gusts of 40 to 60 mph possible in areas east of Daytona Beach to the south of the Space Coast. The combination of strong winds and heavy rain could lead to downed trees, power outages, and other significant impacts, particularly in areas that recently recovered from the effects of Hurricane Helene.
