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Hurricane Milton Nears West Coast of Florida

The center of Hurricane Milton neared the west coast of Florida on Wednesday afternoon. At 5:00 P.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Milton was located at latitude 26.9°N and longitude 83.4°W which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) west-southwest of Sarasota, Florida. Milton was moving toward the northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 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 948 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 Lake Okeechobee. 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 Edisto Beach, South Carolina. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the extreme Northwestern Bahamas including Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos and Bimini.

Hurricane Milton was weakening gradually on Wednesday afternoon, but Milton was still a major hurricane. An upper level trough over the southern Mississippi River Valley was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Milton’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The upper level winds were also inhibiting the upper level divergence to the west of Hurricane Milton. The wind shear was causing Hurricane Milton to weaken gradually.

A circular eye was present at the center of Hurricane Milton. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern and northern parts of Hurricane Milton. Bands in the southern and western parts of Milton’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Milton generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the hurricane.

Even though Hurricane Milton is weakening, the circulation around Milton is getting larger. Winds to hurricane force extend out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Milton’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extend out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of Hurricane Milton.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Milton is 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 16.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 38.9. Hurricane Milton is similar in intensity to Hurricane Irma when Irma hit southwest Florida in 2017. Milton is not as big as Irma was.

Hurricane Milton will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next few hours. Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level trough over the southern Mississippi River Valley will continue to cause moderate to strong vertical wind shear. The wind shear will cause Hurricane Milton to continue to weaken gradually during the next few hours.

The upper level trough over the southern Mississippi River Valley will steer Hurricane Milton toward the northeast east during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Milton will make landfall in a few hours on the west coast of Florida near or just to the south of Tampa.

Even though Hurricane Milton weakened today, Milton is still expected 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.

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. The highest storm surge is likely to occur along the portion of the coast just to the south of Tampa. A storm surge of 8 to 12 feet (2,4 to 3.7 meters) could occur in Tampa Bay.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo to the Yankeetown, 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.

Thunderstorms in bands in the eastern periphery of Hurricane Milton have already produced tornadoes over South Florida. A Tornado Watch is in effect for much of the Florida Peninsula.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Leslie intensified east-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 22.2°N and longitude 49.0°W which put the center about 955 miles (1535 km) east-northeast of the Northern Leeward 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.

Hurricane Milton Moves Toward West Coast of Florida

Hurricane Milton was moving toward the west coast of Florida on Wednesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Milton was located at latitude 25.8°N and longitude 84.3°W which put the center about 190 miles (305 km) southwest of Tampa, Florida. Milton was moving toward the northeast at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 170 m.p.h. (275 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 931 mb.

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 Savannah River, Georgia. 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 Savannah River, Georgia to the South Santee River, South Carolina.

Hurricane Milton started to weaken gradually on Wednesday morning, but Milton was still a powerful, dangerous hurricane. An upper level trough over the southern Mississippi River Valley was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Milton’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The upper level winds were also inhibiting the upper level divergence to the west of Hurricane Milton. The wind shear was causing Hurricane Milton to weaken gradually.

Even though Hurricane Milton was weakening gradually, it was still a major hurricane. A small circular eye was present at the center of Milton’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern and northern parts of Hurricane Milton. Bands in the southern and western parts of Milton’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Milton generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the hurricane.

Although Hurricane Milton is weakening, the circulation around Milton is getting larger. Winds to hurricane force extend out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Milton’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extend out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Hurricane Milton.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Milton is 29.9. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 14.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 44.3. Hurricane Milton is similar in intensity to Hurricane Charley when Charley hit southwest Florida in 2004. Milton is much larger than Charley was.

Hurricane Milton will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Milton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level trough over the southern Mississippi River Valley will continue to cause moderate to strong vertical wind shear. The wind shear will cause Hurricane Milton to weaken gradually during the next 12 hours.

The upper level trough over the southern Mississippi River Valley will steer Hurricane Milton toward the northeast east during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Milton will make landfall on Wednesday night on the west coast of Florida near or just to the south of Tampa.

Even though Hurricane Milton will weaken today, Milton is still expected 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.

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. The highest storm surge is likely to occur along the portion of the coast just to the south of Tampa> A storm surge of 8 to 12 feet (2,4 to 3.7 meters) could occur in Tampa Bay.

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

Thunderstorms in bands in the eastern periphery of Hurricane Milton were already producing tornadoes over South Florida. A Tornado Watch is in effect for the southern half of the Florida Peninsula.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Leslie intensified east-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Leslie was located at latitude 21.7°N and longitude 48.4°W which put the center about 985 miles (1585 km) east-northeast of the Northern Leeward 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 985 mb.

Hurricane Debby Moves Inland over North Florida

Hurricane Debby moved inland over North Florida on Monday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Debby was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 83.4°W which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of Perry, Florida. Debby was moving toward the north-northeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 979 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Yankeetown to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Yankeetown to Boca Grande, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Augustine, Florida to South Santee River, South Carolina.

The center of Hurricane Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida on Monday morning. The maximum sustained wind speed in Hurricane Debby was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) at the time of landfall. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Debby’s circulation. Bands in the southern and western parts of Hurricane Debby consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of winds speeds around Hurricane Debby was also asymmetrical at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the eastern side of Debby’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the eastern half of Hurricane Debby. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles in the western half of Debby’s circulation.

Hurricane Debby will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system and an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Debby toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Debby will move across northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. The steering currents could weaken during the middle of the week and Debby could meander near the coast of South Carolina.

Hurricane Debby will weaken to a tropical storm as it moves inland over northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. Debby will continue to produce strong winds and electricity outages are likely. Hurricane Debby will drop heavy rain over northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. Widespread flooding could occur. If Debby stalls near South Carolina later this week, then prolonged heavy rain could occur.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Hurricane Debby will continue to cause a storm surge along the coast of west Florida while southwest winds blow water toward the coast. The storm surge could be as high as 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Longboat Key to Indian Pass, Florida. A Storm Storm Warning is also in effect for the portion of the coast Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Debby Strengthens to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Debby strengthened to a hurricane over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Debby was located at latitude 28.6°N and longitude 84.0°W which put the center about 65 miles (105 km) west-southwest of Cedar Key, Florida. Debby was moving toward the north at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 985 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Yankeetown to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Yankeetown to Boca Grande, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ponte Vedre Beach, Florida to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Reconnaissance aircraft found hurricane force winds in the northeastern part of former Tropical Storm Debby on Sunday night. The aircraft also found that the minimum surface pressure had decreased to 985 mb. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Debby’s circulation several times. However, drier air from the western side of Hurricane Debby caused breaks in the eyewall each time. There was only a partial eyewall on the eastern side of Hurricane Debby on Sunday night. There were only showers and lower clouds on the western side of of the center of Debby. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Debby. Bands in the western side of Debby consisted of primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Hurricane Debby. The winds were weaker in the western side of Debby’s circulation. Hurricane force winds extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Hurricane Debby. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Debby.

Hurricane Debby will move through an environment that will be only marginally favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. The trough will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Debby’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. Hurricane Debby will also pull more drier air around the western side of its circulation. The wind shear and dry air are likely to prevent intensification during the next few hours.

Hurricane Debby will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system and the upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Debby toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Debby will make landfall in Apalachee Bay on Monday morning.

Hurricane Debby will bring strong winds and heavy rain to part of north Florida. Heavy rain could cause flooding in some locations.

Flood Watches were in effect for parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Hurricane Debby could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Longboat Key. The Storm Surge Watch includes Charlotte Harbor.

Tropical Storm Debby Strengthens

Tropical Storm Debby strengthened over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 26.3°N and longitude 84.2°W which put the center about 155 miles (255 km) southwest of Tampa, Florida. Debby was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Ochlockonee River, Florida.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Yankeetown, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Cape Sable to Suwannee River, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Channel 5 Bridge, A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Georgia to the South Santee River, South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby strengthened over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning. Thunderstorms were occurring near the center of Debby’s circulation. Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Debby. Bands in the western side of Debby consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Debby’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical storm.

The distribution of winds in Tropical Storm Debby continued to be asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the eastern half of Debby’s circulation. Winds in the western side of Debby were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. The trough will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Debby’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Debby will intensify during the next 24 hours. Debby is likely to intensify to a hurricane by Sunday night.

Tropical Storm Debby will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Debby toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Debby will approach the coast of north Florida by Monday morning.

Tropical Storm Debby is likely to be a hurricane when it approaches the north coast of Florida. Debby will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Florida. Heavy rain could cause flooding in some locations. Tropical Storm Debby could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Aripeka to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to Aripeka, Florida. The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River, Georgia to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby Forms North of Cuba

Tropical Storm Debby formed north of Cuba on Saturday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 23.4°N and longitude 83.2°W which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Debby was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1007 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Ochlockonee River, Florida.

Former Tropical Depression Four strengthened on Saturday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Debby. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Storm Debby after it moved north of Cuba. More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Debby. Storm’s near the center of Debby’s circulation generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Debby was asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the eastern half of Debby’s circulation. Winds in the western side of Debby were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby Four will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S. The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Debby’s circulation. The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Debby will intensify during the next 24 hours. Debby is likely to intensify slowly as it moves away from Cuba. Tropical Storm Debby is likely to intensify more rapidly when it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday. Debby could strengthen to a hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Debby will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Debby toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Debby will approach the coast of north Florida on Monday.

Tropical Storm Debby will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Florida. Heavy rain could cause flooding in some locations. Tropical Storm Debby could also cause a storm surge of up to 8 feet (2.3 meters) along the west coast of Florida.