
Less than two weeks after the catastrophic impacts of Major Hurricane Helene on Florida and the southeastern United States, another catastrophe is in the making with Hurricane Milton projected to become a major hurricane and smash into Florida this week. Milton could impact Florida stronger than the recently destructive Hurricane Helene and the catastrophic Hurricane Ian which devastated portions of the Fort Myers metro region just two years ago.
“Milton is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the west coast of the Florida Peninsula midweek,” warns the National Hurricane Center (NHC). “While it is too soon to specify the exact magnitude and location of the greatest impacts, there is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning early Wednesday and Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches will likely be issued tonight or early Monday. Residents in the Florida Peninsula should follow any advice given by local officials and monitor updates to the forecast.”

Areas of heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida through Monday well ahead of Milton, with heavy rainfall more directly related to Milton expected on Tuesday through Wednesday night. Widespread 6-12″+ of rain is expected across vast areas of the Florida peninsula and this rainfall will bring the risk of considerable flash, urban, and areal flooding, along with the potential for moderate to major river flooding.
A catastrophic, potentially historic storm surge could hit the Florida west coast, submerging large parts of Tampa, Sarasota, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers, and Naples under 8 or more feet of water. The National Hurricane Center will issue specifics about their storm surge forecast, including where it is likely to be and how bad it will be there, roughly 48 hours prior to landfall.
Due to the threat of a catastrophic storm surge, evacuations have already been issued for the Florida coast, including Fort Meyers Beach which is still recovering and rebuilding from 2022’s Hurricane Ian. More evacuation orders are expected and residents are urged by the NHC to heed all advice from local officials. The NHC also tells people they don’t need to wait to evacuate; people in storm surge areas should consider leaving sooner rather than later to avoid traffic problems, especially in portions of north Florida and points north that are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
An emergency has been declared over much of the Florida Peninsula in advance of Hurricane Milton’s arrival; evacuations are also being ordered. #FLwx #HurricaneMilton https://t.co/ZzrYxyXYC7
— the Weatherboy (@theWeatherboy) October 7, 2024