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Hurricane Milton Strengthens Back to Cat. 5

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Hurricane Milton strengthened back to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale after completing an eyewall replacement cyclone on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Milton was located at latitude 22.7°N and longitude 87.5°W which put the center about 480 miles (775 km) southwest of Tampa, Florida.  Milton was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 195 m.p.h. (315 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 905 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the Mouth of the Suwanee River, Florida.  The Hurricane Warning includes Tampa Bay.  A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach, Florida.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Lake Okeechobee.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ponte Vedra Beach to the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Florida.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Lucie/Martin County Line to the Martin/Palm Beach County Line, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Okeechobee.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to Bonita Beach, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to the St. Lucie/Martin County Line, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Dzilam to Cancun, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the extreme Northwestern Bahamas including Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos and Bimini.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to the South Santee River, South Carolina.

Hurricane Milton strengthened back to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Tuesday afternoon after an eyewall replacement cycle was completed.  A new eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was at the center of Milton’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Milton.  Storms near the center of Milton’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to remain very low.

The completion of the eyewall replacement cycle caused the size of the circulation around Hurricane Milton to increase a little more.  Winds to hurricane force extend out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Milton’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Hurricane Milton.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Milton is 36.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 11.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 48.5.  Hurricane Milton is stronger than Hurricane Michael was when Michael hit Northwest Florida in 2018.  Milton is not quite as big as Michael was.  Hurricane Milton is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Otis when Otis hit Acapulco last year.

Hurricane Milton move through an environment favorable for a powerful hurricane during the next 18 hours.  Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Milton will could intensify a little more during the next 18 hours.  An upper level trough over the Mississippi River Valley will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Milton’s circulation later on Wednesday.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase and Hurricane Milton is likely to start to weaken on Wednesday afternoon.  In addition, the inner end of another rainband could wrap around the existing eye and eyewall.  If concentric eyewalls form again, then another eyewall replacement cycle will cause Hurricane Milton to weaken faster.  However, if an another eyewall replacement cycle occurs, then the size of Milton’s circulation will increase again.

The upper level trough over the Mississippi River Valley will start to steer Milton more quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Milton will reach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night.  Milton will be a major hurricane when it reaches Florida.

Hurricane Milton will be a major hurricane when it hits the west coast of Florida.  Milton will bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain to the west coast of Florida. Milton will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Florida.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect for many of the counties in Central Florida.  Those Hurricane Warnings include Orlando.

Milton will be capable of causing major damage. Heavy rains will cause floods in some locations. Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Flood Watches are in effect for much of the Florida Peninsula.

Milton will also produce a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to the Mouth of the Suwanee River, Florida.  The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.  A Storm Surge Warning is also in effect for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia to Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Leslie was still churning west of the Cabo Verde Islands.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 20.0°N and longitude 46.4°W which put the center about 1490 miles (2400 km) west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Leslie was moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (150 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings Issued for Florida’s West Coast Because of Cat. 5 Milton

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Hurricane Warnings and Storm Surge Warnings were issued for the west coast of Florida because of the threat posed by Category 5 Hurricane Milton.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Milton was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 90.8°W which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico.  Milton was moving toward the east-southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 180 m.p.h. (290 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 215 m.p.h. (345 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 905 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to the Mouth of the Suwanee River, Florida.  The Hurricane Warning includes Tampa Bay.  AA Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Rio Lagartos, Mexico.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach, Florida.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Lake Okeechobee.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the St. Lucie. Indian River County Line to the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Florida.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Campeche, Mexico.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Okeechobee.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to Bonita Beach, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Rio Lagartos to Cancun, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Campeche, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to the St. Lucie/Indian River County Line, Florida.   A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Florida to the South Santee River, South Carolina.

Hurricane Milton continued to intensify late on Monday afternoon.  A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was at the center of Milton’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Milton.  Storms near the center of Milton’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

Hurricane Milton is a small hurricane.  Winds to hurricane force extend out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Milton’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Hurricane Milton.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Milton is 42.2. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 10.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 52.8.  Hurricane Milton is stronger than Hurricane Michael was when Michael hit Northwest Florida in 2018.  Milton is not quite as big as Michael was.

Hurricane Milton move through an environment favorable fora powerful hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Milton will could intensify a little more during the next 24 hours.  However, the inner end of a rainband could wrap around the existing eye and eyewall.  If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle will cause Hurricane Milton to weaken.  If an eyewall replacement cycle occurs, then the size of Milton’s circulation will get larger.

An upper level trough over the central U.S. will start to steer Milton more quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Milton will reach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday evening.  Milton will be a major hurricane when it reaches Florida.

Hurricane Milton will be a major hurricane when it hits the west coast of Florida.  Milton will bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain to the west coast of Florida.  Milton will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Florida.  Milton will be capable of causing major damage. Heavy rains will cause floods in some locations.  Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Flood Watches are in effect for much of the Florida Peninsula.

Milton will also produce a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to the Mouth of the Suwanee River, Florida.  The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the portion of the coast from Sebastian Inlet, Florida to Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Leslie was slowly weakening.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 42.1°W which put the center about 1185 miles (1910 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Leslie was moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Hurricane Milton Rapidly Intensifies to Cat. 5

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Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on on Monday morning.  At 12:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Milton was located at latitude 21.7°N and longitude 91.6°W which put the center about 125 miles (200 km) west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico.  Milton was moving toward the east-southeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 925 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Rio Lagartos, Mexico.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to the Mouth of the Suwanee River, Florida.  The Hurricane Watch includes Tampa Bay.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Lake Okeechobee.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Campeche, Mexico.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Rio Lagartos to Cancun, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Campeche, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida Keys.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to Chokoloskee, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass, Florida.

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Monday morning.  A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was at the center of Milton’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Milton.  Storms near the center of Milton’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

Hurricane Milton was a small hurricane.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Milton’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Hurricane Milton.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Milton is 35.0.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 10.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 45.6. Hurricane Milton is as strong as Hurricane Michael when Michael hit Northwest Florida in 2018.  Milton is not quite as big as Michael was.

Hurricane Milton move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Milton will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Milton could continue to intensify rapidly for a few more hours.

An upper level trough over the central U.S. will start to steer Milton more quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Milton will reach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.  Milton will be a major hurricane when it reaches Florida.

Hurricane Milton will be a major hurricane when it hits the west coast of Florida. Milton will bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain to the west coast of Florida. Milton will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Florida. Milton will be capable of causing major damage. Heavy rains will cause floods in some locations. Widespread electricity outages are likely.

Flood Watches are in effect for much of the Florida Peninsula.

Milton will also produce a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to the Mouth of the Suwanee River, Florida.  The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Kirk was making an transition to a strong extratropical cyclone and Hurricane Leslie was spinning west of the Azores.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Kirk was located at latitude 41.7°N and longitude 38.4°W which put the center about 655 miles (1055 km) west-northwest of the Azores.  Kirk was moving toward the northeast at 29 m.p.h. (46 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 963 mb.

At !!:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 41.2°W which put the center about 1120 miles (1805 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Leslie was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

Rapidly Intensifying Hurricane Milton Prompts Hurricane Watch for Florida

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The threat posed by rapidly intensifying Hurricane Milton prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Watch for the west coast of Florida on Monday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Milton was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 92.9°W which put the center about 165 miles (265 km) west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico.  Milton was moving toward the east-southeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 945 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Rio Lagartos, Mexico.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Chokoloskee to the Mouth of the Suwanee River, Florida.  The Hurricane Watch includes Tampa Bay.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Campeche, Mexico.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Rio Lagartos to Cancun, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Campeche, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida Keys.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to Chokoloskee, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass, Florida.

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified to a major hurricane on Monday morning.  A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) formed at the center of Milton’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Milton.  Storms near the center of Milton’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

Hurricane Milton was a small hurricane.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Milton’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Hurricane Milton.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Milton is 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 11.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 34.7.  Hurricane Milton is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Hurricane Milton move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Milton will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Milton could continue to intensify rapidly. Hurricane Milton could to strengthen to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale by Tuesday.

An upper level trough over the central U.S. will start to steer Milton more quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Milton will reach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday. Milton will be a major hurricane when it reaches Florida.

Hurricane Milton will be a major hurricane when it hits the west coast of Florida.  Milton will bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain to the west coast of Florida.  Milton will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Florida.  Milton will be capable of causing major damage. Heavy rains will cause floods in some locations.  Widespread electricity outages are likely.  Milton will also produce a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to the Mouth of the Suwanee River, Florida.  The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Kirk was making an transition to a strong extratropical cyclone and Hurricane Leslie was spinning west of the Azores.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Kirk was located at latitude 40.2°N and longitude 41.0°W which put the center about 765 miles (1230 km) west-northwest of the Azores. Kirk was moving toward the northeast at 30 m.p.h. (49 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 15.6°N and longitude 40.4°W which put the center about 1065 miles (1720 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Leslie was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 980 mb.

Milton Rapidly Intensifies to a Hurricane

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Former Tropical Storm Milton rapidly intensified to a hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Milton was located at latitude 22.5°N and longitude 94.0°W which put the center about 2905 miles (465 km) west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico.  Milton was moving toward the east at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Cabo Catoche, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Catoche to Cancun, Mexico.

Former Tropical Storm Milton intensified rapidly into a hurricane on Sunday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Milton’s circulation.  An eye was forming at the center of Hurricane Milton.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Milton.  Storms near the center of Milton’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Milton increased as Milton rapidly intensified.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Milton’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Hurricane Milton.

Hurricane Milton move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Milton will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Milton could continue to intensify rapidly.  Hurricane Milton is likely to strengthen to a major hurricane by Tuesday.

A small upper level trough over the northern Gulf of Mexico will steer Hurricane Milton slowly toward the east during the next 24 hours.  A larger upper level trough over the central U.S. will start to steer Milton more quickly toward the northeast on Monday.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Milton will reach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.  Milton will be a major hurricane when it reaches Florida.

Hurricane Milton will be a major hurricane when it hits the west coast of Florida.  Milton will bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain to the west coast of Florida.  Milton will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Florida.  Milton will be capable of causing major damage.  Heavy rains will cause floods in some locations. Widespread electricity outages are likely.  Milton will also produce a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie continued to spin over the Atlantic Ocean.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Kirk was located at latitude 35.6°N and longitude 47.7°W which put the center about 1155 miles (1855 km) west of the Azores.  Kirk was moving toward the northeast at 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 960 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 37.9°W which put the center about 910 miles (1465 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Leslie was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

Tropical Storm Milton Strengthens Over the Western Gulf of Mexico

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Tropical Storm Milton strengthened over the western Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Milton was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 94.9°W which put the center about 345 miles (560 km) west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico.  Milton was moving toward the east at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Celestun to Cancun, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Milton was intensifying on Sunday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern and western sides of the center of Milton’s circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Milton.  Storms near the center of Milton generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Milton was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Milton’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Milton move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Milton is likely to intensify to a hurricane during the next 24 hours.  Milton is also likely to strengthen to a major hurricane by Tuesday.

A small upper level trough over the northern Gulf of Mexico will steer Tropical Storm Milton slowly toward the east during the next 24 hours.  A larger upper level trough over the central U.S. will start to steer Milton more quickly toward the northeast on Monday.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Milton will reach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.  Milton is likely to be a major hurricane when it reaches Florida.

Tropical Storm Milton is likely to be a major hurricane when it hits the west coast of Florida.  Milton will bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain to the west coast of Florida.  Milton will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Florida.  Milton will be capable of causing major damage.  Heavy rains will cause floods in some locations.  Widespread electricity outages are likely.  Milton will also produce a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie continued to churn over the Atlantic Ocean.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Kirk was located at latitude 33.5°N and longitude 49.0°W which put the center about 1270 miles (2040 km) west of the Azores.  Kirk was moving toward the north at 23 m.p.h. (37 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 957 mb.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 12.9°N and longitude 37.3°W which put the center about 875 miles (1405 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Leslie was moving toward the northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

Tropical Storm Milton Forms Over Western Gulf of Mexico

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Tropical Storm Milton formed over the western Gulf of Mexico on Saturday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Milton was located at latitude 22.3°N and longitude 95.3°W which put the center about 365 miles (590 km) west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico.  Milton was moving toward the north-northeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h).   The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A low pressure system over the western Gulf of Mexico strengthened on Saturday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Milton.  The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Milton was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Milton’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern half of Tropical Storm Milton consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Milton’s circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Milton move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Milton will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Milton is likely to strengthen to a hurricane by early next week.

Tropical Storm Milton will move around the western end of a high pressure system that extends over the Gulf of Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Milton slowly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  An upper level trough over the central U.S. will steer Milton more quickly toward the east-northeast early next week.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Milton will approach the west coast of Florida on Tuesday night.

Tropical Storm Milton is very likely to be a hurricane when it approaches the west coast of Florida.  Milton could be a major hurricane.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie continued to churn over the Atlantic Ocean.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Kirk was located at latitude 27.6°N and longitude 50.3°W which put the center about 1525 miles (2455 km) west-southwest of the Azores.  Kirk was moving toward the north at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 949 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 11.1°N and longitude 35.4°W which put the center about 785 miles (1260 km) west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.  Leslie was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

Former Hurricane Lee Brings Strong Winds to Nova Scotia

Former Hurricane Lee brought strong winds to Nova Scotia on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of former Hurricane Lee was located at latitude 44.5°N and longitude 66.1°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south of Saint John, New Brunswick. Lee was moving toward the north at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.

Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Elizabeth, Maine to the U.S. Canada border. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the U.S./Canada border to Belledune, New Brunswick. That Tropical Storm Warning included Grand Manan Island. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for all of Nova Scotia. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Magdalen Islands and for Prince Edward Island.

Former Hurricane Lee completed a transition of a strong extratropical cyclone on Saturday. The center of former Hurricane Lee was over the Bay of Fundy on Saturday afternoon. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 320 miles (520 km) from the center of former Hurricane Lee.

Former Hurricane Lee was causing strong gusty winds in Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on Saturday afternoon. Almost 90,000 electricity outages were reported in Maine.

A weather station in Grand Manan Island reported a sustained wind speed of 51 m.p.h. (82 km/h) and a wind gust of 93 m.p.h. (150 km/h). A weather station in Halifax, Nova Scotia reported a sustained wind speed of 52 m.p.h. (83 km/h) and a wind gust of 60 m.p.h. (96 km/h). A weather station in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia reported a sustained wind speed of 50 m.p.h. (81 km/h) and a wind gust of 66 m.p.h. (106 km/h).

A weather station in Nantucket, Massachusetts (KACK) reported a sustained wind speed of 36 m.p.h. (58 km/h) and a wind gust of 58 m.p.h. (93 km/h). A weather station in Vinal Haven, Maine reported a sustained wind speed of 44 m.p.h. (71 km/h).

Former Hurricane Lee will move toward the east-northeast on Sunday. The strong extratropical cyclone will produce strong winds over Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Margot meandered west of the Azores and Tropical Depression Fifteen was spinning over the Central Atlantic. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Margot was located at latitude 34.3°N and longitude 39.6°W which put it about 745 miles (1200 km) west-southwest of the Azores. Margot was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Fifteen was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 47.1°W which put it about 1005 miles (1745 km) east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles. The tropical depression was moving toward the north-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Hurricane Lee Moves Toward Nova Scotia

Hurricane Lee moved toward Nova Scotia on Friday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Lee was located at latitude 37.9°N and longitude 66.7°W which put it about 490 miles (790 km) south-southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lee was moving toward the north at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from the U.S./Canada border to Point Lepreau, New Brunswick. That Hurricane Watch included Grand Manan Island. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Digby to Ecum Secum, Nova Scotia.

Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Westport, Massachusetts to the U.S. Canada border. That Tropical Storm Warning included Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the U.S./Canada border to Fort Lawrence, New Brunswick. That Tropical Storm Warning included Grand Manan Island. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Shediac to Tidnish, New Brunswick. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Fort Lawrence, New Brunswick to Point Tupper, Nova Scotia.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Belledune to Shediac, New Brunswick. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Tidnish, New Brunswick to Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Aulds Cove to Meat Cove to Point Tupper, Nova Scotia.

Hurricane Lee was in the middle of a transition to an extratropical cyclone on Friday afternoon. There was no longer a well formed eye at the center of Lee’s circulation. Drier air was being pulled around the southern side of Hurricane Lee. An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. was producing southerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Lee’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The effects of the drier air and the vertical wind shear were causing an asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms in Hurricane Lee. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern half of Lee’s circulation, Bands in the southern half of Hurricane Lee consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The changes to the structure of Hurricane Lee produced a large area of tropical storm force winds. Winds to hurricane force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Lee’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 11.5. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 39.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 51.3. Hurricane Lee was about three-fourths as large as Hurricane Sandy was in 2012.

Hurricane Lee will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification of a hurricane during the next 24 hours. Lee will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are colder than 26°C. The upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will continue to will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The circulation around Lee will also pull in more drier air. The combination of colder water, moderate vertical wind shear and the drier air will cause Hurricane Lee to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours. That same combination of environmental factors will also cause Hurricane Lee to complete a transition to an extratropical cyclone on Saturday.

Hurricane Lee will move around the western part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system and the upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Lee toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lee reach Nova Scotia on Saturday. Even though Hurricane Lee will be making a transition to an extratropical cyclone on Saturday, Lee will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of the Northeast U.S. and to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Widespread outages of electricity are possible. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in come locations. The winds blowing around the northern side of Hurricane Lee will push water toward the coast. The water level could rise as much as four feet (one meter) along parts of the coast.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, former Hurricane Margot weakened to a tropical storm west of the Azores and Tropical Depression Fifteen formed east of the Lesser Antilles. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Margot was located at latitude 36.0°N and longitude 37.9°W which put it about 615 miles (990 km) west of the Azores. Margot was moving toward the southeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Fifteen was located at latitude 15.4°N and longitude 44.0°W which put it about 1150 miles (1885 km) west of the Azores. The tropical depression was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

Hurricane Lee Prompts Watches for Northeast U.S.

The risk posed by Hurricane Lee prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Watch for a portion of the Northeast U.S. on Wednesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Lee was located at latitude 27.4°N and longitude 67.6°W which put it about 380 miles (610 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. Lee was moving toward the north-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 952 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Stonington, Maine to the U.S./Canada border. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Watch Hill, Rhode Island to Stonington, Maine. The Tropical Storm Watch included Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

Hurricane Lee weakened a little on Wednesday, but Lee remained a large and powerful hurricane. A circular eye with a diameter of 36 miles (50 km) was at the center of Lee’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Lee. Storms near the center of Lee’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

Hurricane Lee was still a very large hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Lee’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 265 miles (425 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 28.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 46.0. Hurricane Lee was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Frances when Frances hit Southeast Florida in 2004.

Hurricane Lee will move through an environment that will become more unfavorable for a major hurricane during the next 24 hours. Lee will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. An upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lee’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase on Thursday. Hurricane Lee will move over cooler water later on Thursday. The combination of more vertical wind shear and cooler water will cause Hurricane Lee to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Lee will move around the western part of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Lee toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Lee will pass west of Bermuda on Thursday evening. Bands in the eastern side of Lee’s circulation will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Bermuda on Thursday.

Hurricane Lee could be east of Cape Cod by Saturday morning. Lee will affect Maine and Nova Scotia later on Saturday. Hurricane Lee could be in the middle of a transition to an extratropical cyclone on Saturday. Lee will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of the Northeast U.S. and Nova Scotia. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in come locations. The winds blowing around the northern side of Hurricane Lee will push water toward the coast. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Margot was spinning over the Central Atlantic. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Margot was located at latitude 34.7°N and longitude 40.6°W which put it about 790 miles (1270 km) west-southwest of the Azores. Margot was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 971 mb.