As Hurricane Milton menacingly churns across the Gulf of Mexico, meteorologists are sounding the alarm about its potentially catastrophic impact on Florida’s west-central coast. The storm, which briefly weakened overnight, has regained strength and now boasts maximum sustained winds of nearly 155 mph. (image credit NPR)

As of Tuesday afternoon, Milton was located approximately 520 miles southwest of Tampa, moving east-northeast at 8 mph. Forecasters predict landfall somewhere between the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and southern Manatee County, likely Wednesday night.

Meteorologists and Government Officials Sound the Alarm

Denis Phillips, chief meteorologist for ABC Action News, cautioned about the unpredictability of hurricane “wobbles,” noting their tendency to veer eastward. He referenced recent storms like Charley, Irma, Ian, Idalia, and Helene as examples of this phenomenon.

AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, Jon Porter, warned of a potential “worst-case hurricane impact” for the region. Storm surge predictions range from 10 to 15 feet in most areas, with some locations potentially facing up to 23 feet of surge – nearly double that experienced during Hurricane Helene’s recent devastation.

The gravity of the situation was underscored by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who bluntly stated that those ignoring mandatory evacuation orders are putting their lives at risk. Tampa hasn’t faced a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century, adding to the unprecedented nature of this threat.

FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the extreme danger posed by Milton, urging residents to heed local officials’ instructions and move inland, even if only a short distance.

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 Florida counties, with mandatory evacuations ordered in multiple coastal counties including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota.

Forecasts and Projections

Meteorologists project that Milton may weaken slightly before landfall due to wind shear, potentially making contact as a Category 3 storm with winds between 111 and 129 mph. However, gusts could still approach 140 mph, accompanied by rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches.

The Tampa Bay area is expected to experience the most severe conditions from Wednesday morning through early Thursday. As Milton traverses the state, Central Florida, including Orlando, could face wind gusts up to 120 mph from Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday morning.

As the storm approaches, officials stress the importance of immediate preparation and adherence to evacuation orders, emphasizing that this could be one of the most damaging and costly storms in Florida’s history.