Hurricane Milton is currently impacting Florida, having made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane late on October 9, 2024. The storm initially reached Category 5 status but weakened as it approached the coast. As of now, it is classified as a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds around 85 mph (137 km/h) and is expected to continue weakening as it moves inland across Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean.
See Also: Florida Man Defies Evacuation Orders as Hurricane Milton Approaches
Duration and Impact
- Landfall Timing: Hurricane Milton made landfall late Wednesday night (October 9) and is projected to continue affecting the region into Thursday morning (October 10) as it moves eastward across Florida.
- Forecasted Path: After making landfall, Milton is expected to traverse the state from the west to the east, potentially impacting areas like Orlando and the Space Coast with heavy rainfall and flooding threats.
- Duration of Effects: The storm’s effects, including heavy rain and strong winds, are likely to persist for several days as it moves across Florida and into the Atlantic. Significant rainfall accumulation of up to 15 inches is forecasted in some areas, leading to potential flash flooding.
Summary
Hurricane Milton’s immediate effects will last through Thursday morning, with continued impacts expected as it moves inland. The storm’s transition from a major hurricane to a tropical storm will reduce its intensity but not eliminate the risks associated with heavy rainfall and potential flooding in affected areas