Hurricane Milton has been downgraded to a Category 4 storm after fluctuating between Categories 4 and 5. It is currently moving across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida, where millions of people have been ordered to evacuate. The storm is expected to make landfall as a dangerous major hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Florida meteorologist John Morales became emotional while providing updates on Milton during a telecast on NBC affiliate WTVJ. He described the hurricane as “incredible” and pointed out that it had dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours. Morales’ eyes welled up with tears as he apologized for the horrific situation.
The current prediction is that Hurricane Milton will make landfall in the Manatee County/Sarasota County area on central Florida’s west coast, approximately 50 miles north or south of that area. Meteorologist Rick Davis from the National Weather Service in Tampa advised people not to focus too much on the exact center of the storm, as the eye will be expanding and the wind field will be growing as it approaches land.
Residents should expect heavy rainfall ranging from 5 to 12 inches statewide, with up to 18 inches possible in central to northern areas of the Florida Peninsula. The National Hurricane Center has warned of prolonged power outages and urged residents to take steps to protect themselves and their property. The storm also poses a significant risk of life-threatening flooding.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a strong warning to residents who have not evacuated, stating that those who remain in evacuation areas are risking their lives. She emphasized the danger of staying in single-story homes during a storm surge, as there may be nowhere to go once the water enters the house. Castor’s message was clear: evacuate if you are told to do so to ensure your safety.