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US - Hurricane Milton - October 5+

000
WTNT34 KNHC 080832
TCPAT4

BULLETIN
Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 13
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL142024
400 AM CDT Tue Oct 08 2024

...EXTREMELY POWERFUL HURRICANE MILTON JUST NORTH OF THE YUCATAN
PENINSULA...
...MILTON POSES AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS THREAT TO FLORIDA AND
RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO FOLLOW THE ORDERS OF LOCAL OFFICIALS...



SUMMARY OF 400 AM CDT...0900 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...22.3N 88.9W
ABOUT 85 MI...140 KM NE OF PROGRESO MEXICO
ABOUT 560 MI...905 KM SW OF TAMPA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...155 MPH...250 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 75 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...924 MB...27.29 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

None.​

more.... https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/080832.shtml
 
Evacuation Assistance


There is a shuttle system in place for those that are in a county with an evacuation order in place.

Check if an order is in place in your county here. Call 800-729-3413 for evacuation assistance. 7 am - 7 pm.

Hurricane Evacuation Charter Bus Schedule for 10/8/2024

Pinellas County


Bus #1: St Pete Beach, Maderia Beach, Indian Rocks Beach)
  1. A- St Pete Beach Community Center (7701 Boca Ciega Dr, St Pete
    Beach, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Winn-Dixie (15200 Municipal Dr, Maderia Beach, FL) 09:30-11:00am
  3. C- Church of the Isles- Parking Lot (200 24th Ave N, Indian Rocks Beach, FL) 11:00-12:30pm
Bus #2: Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Beach Island
  1. A- Clearwater Beach Parking Lot (180 S Gulfview BLVD, Clearwater, FL)
    07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Clearwater Publix Super Market (200 Island Way, Clearwater, FL)
    09:30-11:00am
Bus #3: North Pinellas County
  1. A- Winn-Dixie (1171 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Publix (902 Curley Rd, Dunedin, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Bus #4: Central Pinellas County
  1. A- Publix (619 S Ft Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Publix (13031 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Bus #5: Southern Pinellas County
  1. A- Publix (5577 Park St, St Petersburg, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Walmart (3501 34th St S, St Petersburg, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Pasco County


Bus #7: West Pasco County
  1. A- Winn-Dixie (14134 US-19, Hudson, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Walmart (8701 US-19, Port Richey, FL) 09:30-11:00am
  3. C- Walmart (1485 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL) 11:00-12:30pm
Bus #8: Central Pasco County
  1. A- Publix (7830 Land O’Lakes BLVD, Land O’ Lakes, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Publix (2121 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Bus #9: East Pasco County
  1. A- Walmart (12650 US-301, Dade City, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Winn-Dixie (36348 State Rd 54, Zephyrhills, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Hillsborough County


Bus #10: Northwest Hillsborough/Tampa
  1. A- Winn-Dixie (13016 Race Track Road, Tampa, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- ALDI (10419 Sheldon Road, Tampa, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Bus #11: City of Tampa
  1. A- Publix (2724 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Publix (2401 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL) 09:30-11:00am
  3. C- Publix (4315 W Gandy BLVD, Tampa, FL) 11:00-12:30pm
Bus #12: City of Tampa
  1. A- Publix (6001 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Publix (1105 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Bus #13: City of Tampa
  1. A- Publix (11502 N 53rd St, Temple Terrace, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Publix (5450 E Busch BLVD, Temple Terrace, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Bus #14: South-Central Hillsborough County
  1. A- Winn-Dixie (6929 US-301, Riverview, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Publix (13154 US-301, Riverview, FL) 09:30-11:00am
  3. C- Winn-Dixie (1023 S Tamiami Trail, Ruskin, FL) 11:00-12:30pm
Bus #15: Eastern Hillsborough County
  1. A- Publix (2515 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL) 07:00-09:30am
  2. B- Winn-Dixie (205 W Alexander St, Plant City, FL) 09:30-11:00am
https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/Hurricanemilton/


 
Tampa mayor issues dire warning before Hurricane Milton: ‘If you choose to stay … you are going to die’

By David Propper
Published Oct. 8, 2024
Updated Oct. 8, 2024, 7:00 a.m. ET
...
Castor emphasized that attempting to ride out the storm would — not could — prove fatal. The time to flee is now, she urged residents in evacuation zones.

“I can tell you right now they might have done that in others, there’s never been one like this,” Castor said on CNN. “And Helene was a wakeup call, this is literally catastrophic.

“And I can say without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die.”
...
“This is something that I’ve never seen in my life and I can tell you anyone born and raised in the Tampa Bay area has never seen anything like this before,” she stressed. “People need to get out.”

“If we have this predicted storm surge, this is not survivable,” she reiterated.
...

https://nypost.com/2024/10/08/us-ne...warning-to-residents-before-hurricane-milton/

------------------------------------------

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https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/092140.shtml?peakSurge#contents
 
000
WTNT34 KNHC 081455
TCPAT4

BULLETIN
Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 14
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL142024
1000 AM CDT Tue Oct 08 2024

...MILTON FORECAST TO RETAIN MAJOR HURRICANE STATUS AND EXPAND IN
SIZE WHILE IT APPROACHES THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA...
...TODAY IS THE LAST FULL DAY FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS TO GET THEIR
FAMILIES AND HOMES READY AND EVACUATE IF TOLD TO DO SO BY LOCAL
OFFICIALS...



SUMMARY OF 1000 AM CDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...22.7N 88.4W
ABOUT 130 MI...205 KM NE OF PROGRESO MEXICO
ABOUT 520 MI...835 KM SW OF TAMPA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...150 MPH...240 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 65 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...929 MB...27.44 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The Storm Surge Warning has been extended southward along the
east coast of Florida to Port Canaveral.


The government of the Bahamas has issued a Tropical Storm Watch
for the extreme northwestern Bahamas, including Grand Bahama
Island, the Abacos, and Bimini.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* West coast of Florida from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee
River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
* East coast of Florida from Port Canaveral northward to the mouth
of the St. Mary's River, including the St. Johns River.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Celestun to Rio Lagartos
* Florida west coast from Bonita Beach northward to the mouth of the
Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay
* Florida east coast from the Indian River/St. Lucie County Line
northward to Ponte Vedra Beach

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for...
* South of Port Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet
* Mouth of the St. Mary's River to Edisto Beach

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche
* Dry Tortugas
* Lake Okeechobee
* Florida west coast from Chokoloskee to south of Bonita Beach
* Florida east coast north of Ponte Vedra Beach to the mouth of the
St. Mary's River

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Rio Lagartos to Cancun
* All of the Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay
* Lake Okeechobee
* Florida west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach
* Florida west coast from north of the mouth of the Suwanee River to
Indian Pass
* Florida east coast south of the Indian River/St. Lucie County
Line to Flamingo
* Florida east coast north of Ponte Vedra Beach to the mouth of the
St. Mary's River

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Coast of Georgia and South Carolina from north of the mouth of the
St. Marys River to South Santee River, South Carolina
* Extreme northwestern Bahamas, including Grand Bahama Island,
the Abacos, and Bimini.

A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening
inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline,
during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations. For a
depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather
Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons
located within these areas should take all necessary actions to
protect life and property from rising water and the potential for
other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other
instructions from local officials.

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued
36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of
tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside
preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life
and property should be rushed to completion.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-
threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the
coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.
For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather
Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible
within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours
before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force
winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or
dangerous.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

For storm information specific to your area in the United
States, including possible inland watches and warnings, please
monitor products issued by your local National Weather Service
forecast office. For storm information specific to your area
outside of the United States, please monitor products issued by
your national meteorological service.


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 1000 AM CDT (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Milton was
located near latitude 22.7 North, longitude 88.4 West. Milton is
moving toward the east-northeast near 9 mph (15 km/h). A turn
toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected
to begin later today and continue through Thursday. On the
forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern
Gulf of Mexico and approach the west-central coast of Florida
through Wednesday. The center is likely to make landfall along the
west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night, and move
east-northeastward across central Florida through Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph (240 km/h) with higher
gusts. Milton is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale. While fluctuations in intensity are expected,
Milton is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane
through landfall in Florida.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles
(165 km).

The minimum central pressure based on dropsonde data is 929 mb
(27.44 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key Messages for Milton can be found in the Tropical Cyclone
Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT4 and WMO header WTNT44 KNHC
and on the web at hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT4.shtml

STORM SURGE: A storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 2
to 4 feet above ground level along the northern coast of the
Yucatan Peninsula in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the
surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause
normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters
moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the
following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if
the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...

Anclote River, FL to Englewood, FL...10-15 ft
Tampa Bay...10-15 ft
Englewood, FL to Bonita Beach, FL...6-10 ft
Charlotte Harbor...6-10 ft
Yankeetown, FL to Anclote River, FL...5-10 ft
Bonita Beach, FL to Chokoloskee, FL...4-7 ft
Suwannee River, FL to Yankeetown, FL...3-5 ft
Chokoloskee, FL to Flamingo, FL...3-5 ft
Port Canaveral, FL to Altamaha Sound, GA...3-5 ft

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to
the south of the landfall location, where the surge will be
accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding
depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle,
and can vary greatly over short distances. For information
specific to your area, please see products issued by your local
National Weather Service forecast office.

For a complete depiction of areas at risk of storm surge
inundation, please see the National Weather Service Peak Storm
Surge Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?peakSurge.

RAINFALL: Rainfall amounts of 5 to 12 inches, with localized totals
up to 18 inches, are expected across central to northern portions of
the Florida Peninsula through Thursday. This rainfall brings the
risk of life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with
moderate to major river flooding.

Milton will also produce rainfall totals 2 to 4 inches across the
Florida Keys through Thursday.

Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated totals
around 6 inches, are expected across northern portions of the
Yucatan Peninsula.

For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall associated with
Hurricane Milton, please see the National Weather Service Storm
Total Rainfall Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?rainqpf and the Flash Flood Risk
graphic at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?ero.

WIND: Hurricane and tropical storm conditions will continue in the
warning areas in Mexico today.

Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area
across Florida beginning late Wednesday through early Thursday.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the warning area
on the west coast of Florida Wednesday morning, spreading across
the peninsula and reaching the east coast Wednesday evening.

Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area
on the Georgia and South Carolina coasts on Thursday.

Tropical storm conditions are possible in the extreme northwestern
Bahamas on Thursday.

TORNADOES: A few tornadoes are possible over central and southern
Florida beginning late tonight and continuing through Wednesday
night.

SURF: Swells generated by Milton are expected to continue to
affect much of the Gulf Coast within the next day or two, and are
likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Please consult products from your local weather office.


NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next intermediate advisory at 100 PM CDT.
Next complete advisory at 400 PM CDT.

$$
Forecaster Berg​


https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/081455.shtml?
-------------------------------------

000
WTNT44 KNHC 081455
TCDAT4

Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 14
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL142024
1000 AM CDT Tue Oct 08 2024


Sequences of microwave images and recent Hurricane Hunter
observations suggest that Milton completed an eyewall replacement
overnight, and the new eyewall has contracted down from 22 n mi to
12 nm in diameter. However, it does not appear that the hurricane
weakened much after the eyewall replacement, and it could have
rebounded with the outer eyewall contraction.
A dropsonde released
by the NOAA P-3 in the northeastern eyewall recently measured an
average wind of 156 kt in the lowest 150 m of the sounding, which
equates to an intensity of 130 kt. The latest pressure reported by
the planes is 929 mb.


The recent aircraft fixes show that Milton has turned a bit
leftward and is moving toward the east-northeast (065/8 kt).
Milton is forecast to turn northeastward and begin accelerating
later today as it moves between a trough digging into the Gulf of
Mexico and a ridge near the Greater Antilles. The track guidance
is honed in on a landfall along the west-central coast of Florida
sometime Wednesday night. However, it is critical to remember that
even at 36-48 hours away, NHC's track forecasts can be off by an
average of 60-70 n mi, which means we still can't pinpoint an exact
landfall location, especially if the hurricane wobbles as it
approaches the coast.
After landfall, Milton is forecast to cross
Florida and emerge over the Atlantic waters on Thursday.

Milton is expected to maintain major hurricane strength while it
moves across the Gulf of Mexico and approaches the west coast of
Florida.
Stronger vertical shear is expected to set in about 24
hours, but even if this causes some weakening, it will not be
enough to keep Milton from being an extremely dangerous hurricane
when it reaches shore. Additionally, the first stages of
extratropical transition may be just underway as Milton is reaching
the coast, which could impart some baroclinic energy and slow the
rate of weakening. The NHC intensity forecast is close to the top
end of the model envelope, which includes the GFS and ECMWF models,
since these models should have a better handle on a potential
positive trough interaction.

Milton's wind field is expected to expand as it approaches Florida.
In fact, the official forecast shows the hurricane and
tropical-storm-force winds roughly doubling in size by the time it
makes landfall.
Therefore, damaging winds, life-threatening storm
surge, and heavy rainfall will extend well outside the forecast
cone. It is worth emphasizing that this is a very serious situation
and residents in Florida should closely follow orders from their
local emergency management officials. Evacuations and other
preparations should be completed today. Milton has the potential to
be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central
Florida.



Key Messages:

1. Damaging hurricane-force winds and a life-threatening storm
surge with destructive waves are expected across portions of the
northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula today.

2. A large area of destructive storm surge, with highest
inundations of 10 ft or greater, is expected along a portion of the
west-central coast of the Florida Peninsula. If you are in the
Storm Surge Warning area, this is an extremely life-threatening
situation, and you should evacuate today if ordered by local
officials. There will likely not be enough time to wait to leave on
Wednesday.


3. Devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of
the west coast of Florida, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect.
Milton is forecast to remain a hurricane as it crosses the Florida
Peninsula and life-threatening hurricane-force winds, especially in
gusts, are expected to spread inland across the peninsula.
Preparations to protect life and property, and to be ready for
long-duration power outages, should be complete by tonight.

4. Heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday
brings the risk of life-threatening flash and urban flooding along
with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where
coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood
threat.



FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 08/1500Z 22.7N 88.4W 130 KT 150 MPH
12H 09/0000Z 23.6N 87.2W 130 KT 150 MPH
24H 09/1200Z 25.2N 85.5W 125 KT 145 MPH
36H 10/0000Z 26.8N 83.8W 110 KT 125 MPH

48H 10/1200Z 28.1N 81.5W 85 KT 100 MPH...INLAND
60H 11/0000Z 29.1N 78.4W 65 KT 75 MPH...OVER WATER
72H 11/1200Z 29.7N 74.9W 55 KT 65 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
96H 12/1200Z 30.4N 67.9W 45 KT 50 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
120H 13/1200Z 31.8N 60.6W 35 KT 40 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP

$$
Forecaster Berg​

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCDAT4+shtml/081455.shtml

----------------------------------------
image.png


https://cdn.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES16/ABI/SECTOR/gm/02/1000x1000.jpg
 
Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts for Hurricane Milton

On October 8, 2024, in News Releases, by Staff


TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Major General John D. Haas Adjutant General of Florida, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared Perdue, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on preparedness efforts for Hurricane Milton.

As of 11 a.m. ET, Hurricane Milton is located about 520 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida through Wednesday. The center is likely to make landfall along the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night and move east northeastward across central Florida through Thursday.

Hurricane Warnings: Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Sumter and Volusia counties.
Hurricane Watches: Clay, Collier, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Nassau and Okeechobee counties.
Tropical Storm Warnings: Broward, Clay, Coastal Franklin, Coastal Jefferson, Coastal Wakulla, Collier, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Glades, Hendry, Lafayette, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe (Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas), Nassau, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Suwannee, Taylor, Western Alachua and Western Columbia counties.
Tropical Storm Watches: Baker, Bradford, Eastern Alachua, Eastern Columbia, Hamilton, Inland Jefferson, Madison and Union counties.
Storm Surge Warning: Dixie/Levy County line south through Mainland Monroe; southward along the east coast of Florida to Port Canaveral.
Storm Surge Watch: Brevard County

The State Assistance Information Line is now open and accepting calls 24/7 with English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole speakers available at 1-800-342-3557.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending EO 24-214 and declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties.

To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

State Preparedness Efforts
  • The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Hurricane Milton as of October 6, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
  • The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 1,250 missions to assist counties in their preparedness efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging resources to deploy for immediate response as soon as it is safe to do so, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
  • FDEM is establishing a 10,000-person base camp at Tropicana Field to support ongoing debris operations and post-landfall responders.
  • FDEM is coordinating the deployment of fuel and EV chargers to pre-stage along evacuation routes to support evacuations.
  • The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has activated approximately 5,000 service members for Hurricane Milton preparedness operations.
  • FLNG has 11 rotary wing aircraft prepared to provide search and response and damage assessment support post-storm.
  • The Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated and mobilized soldiers in preparation of Hurricane Milton. FSG units answering the call for aid include Crisis Response Battalion (CRB), Aviation Response Squadron (AVS), Maritime Response Squadron (MRS), and Special Missions Unit (SMU).
  • FSG units are positioning assets throughout the state to rapidly respond with search and rescue, route clearance, reconnaissance/damage assessments, and distribution of supplies to residents in impacted areas.
    • Current FSG assets include:
    • 6 search and rescue teams
    • 2 UH- 60 Blackhawks
    • 10 maritime and flood response teams
    • 2 amphibious rescue vehicles
    • 15 cut and toss crews
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams (RLECT) are operational in Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers.
  • FDLE’s mutual aid team is coordinating more than 70 active law enforcement missions identifying base camps, fuel stations and post-storm response squads.
  • FDLE aviation assets are prepositioned ahead of the storm.
  • The FDLE Sworn Training Unit cut team is on stand-by and ready to deploy. The team helps make temporary, emergency repairs to the homes of first responders so they can quickly get back to work after a storm.
  • Maintenance is complete on all equipment used during Hurricane Helene and Operation Blue Ridge. The equipment, including command buses, sleeping quarters and generators, is ready for deployment.
  • The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) is preparing its State Veterans’ Homes in the potential impact area for the arrival of Hurricane Milton. Residents and staff sheltering in place in hardened facilities with full generators.
  • Outpatient appointments at VA Clinics in the projected path are being rescheduled or converted to virtual. See www.FloridaVets.org or follow FDVA on social media for closure details.
  • State Veterans’ Service Officers are available to take your call at (727) 319-7440 or via email at FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV.
  • The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care to support Florida Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care. Call 1-877-741-3400.
  • The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is finalizing storm preparations to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth in our care. This includes fueling all vehicles, moving vehicles in low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing and ensuring adequate fuel supplies for generators in the event of loss of power, and ensuring food, medicine, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready.
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
  • In addition to local officers, approximately 75, FWC officers are ready to deploy to identified staging areas and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
    • Airboats
    • Shallow draft boats
    • ATVs/Side-by-sides
    • Larger platform vessels
    • Four-wheel vehicles
    • Specialized high water vehicles
  • FWC special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the state and report on damage after the storm has made landfall.
  • FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
  • FWC is urging all boat owners to secure their vessels. For those unable to remove their boats from the water, it is essential to utilize all necessary measures to secure it.
  • FWC officers in storm effected areas will include drone teams, debris clearing teams and strike teams embedded with local law enforcement.
Health and Human Services
  • The Florida Department of Health (DOH) deployed nearly 600 emergency response vehicles (e.g., ambulances, ambulance buses, paratransit vehicles) to support emergency evacuations and patient transport as needed. Staging is currently in Columbia, Osceola, and Pinellas counties.
  • DOH is supporting eleven (11) special needs shelters, which are accepting clients, located in five (5) counties: Hillsborough (3), Lee (1), Manatee (1), Pasco (2) and Pinellas (4). Additional special needs shelters are on standby as the storm approaches.
  • DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains and health care providers.
  • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS). Healthcare providers have been requested to provide information on census, available beds, evacuation status, accepting evacuees and generator needs from counties declared under EO-24-114. This information allows AHCA to assist healthcare providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that healthcare providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
  • AHCA has made nearly 700 provider calls for Hurricane Milton preparation ahead of landfall.
  • 212 health care facilities have reported evacuations. This includes:
    • 7 adult family care home
    • 115 assisted living facilities
    • 2 crisis stabilization and short term RFT
    • 5 hospices
    • 10 hospitals
    • 2 hospitals ED
    • 5 intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled
    • 50 nursing homes
    • 3 residential treatment center for children and adolescents
    • 10 residential treatment facilities
    • 2 Transitional living
  • AHCA is conducting daily calls with the Florida Hospital Association and Florida Healthcare Association to ensure nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals are prepared and have their needs met ahead of Hurricane Milton.
  • The Agency has waived all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services beginning October 7, 2024, until further notice.
  • 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
  • The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is working with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
  • The Florida Forest Service is staging equipment, like high-water vehicles, dump trucks, bulldozers, and front-end loaders to assist with road clearing.
  • The Florida Forest Service and the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement are supporting the Florida Department of Transportation and Pinellas County with debris removal with ten dump trucks, two front-end loaders, skid steers, and over 20 personnel.
  • Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Milton. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, and North Carolina.
  • The Department is working to connect evacuating horse owners with open public and private facilities across the state.
  • The Florida State Fairgrounds has opened the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center on a first come first serve basis for horse owners that are in the direct path of Hurricane Milton. To learn more and reserve a spot, visit floridastatefair.com/equestrian.
  • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is contacting all our Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and gather the status of any unmet needs.
  • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues response and pre-landfall protocols and communication with APD-operated facilities, regions, and providers within the counties under declared state of emergency to provide updates on Hurricane Milton, evacuation orders, office closures, anticipation of unmet needs, and verifying client status.
  • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is preparing for Hurricane Milton and ensuring providers in potentially impacted areas have the resources they need for the storm.
  • The Department has secured supplies to ensure readiness in the event the Hope Bus is needed for deployment after landfall.
  • The State Mental Health Treatment Facilities have activated their disaster preparation plans and are ready for the storm.
  • DCF is making preliminary preparations for staffing shelters, delivering emergency supplies, and directing generators to critical human services infrastructure.
  • DCF is providing information about Hope Florida to evacuation shelters, domestic violence shelters, and other critical partners in advance of the storm.
Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures
  • The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Hurricane Milton statewide preparedness efforts include clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Should Use (ESU):
    • Currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
    • Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
    • Tolls have been suspended on facilities in West Florida and Central Florida as well as Alligator Alley and 595 Express to help facilitate traffic flow as Floridians evacuate. Specific details and facilities can be found listed here.
    • FDOT and Florida Highway Patrol have implemented Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) on eastbound I-4 from Tampa to S.R. 417 in Central Florida and on Northbound I-75 in Tampa from North of I-4 to south of I-10 in Columbia County. This operation allows motorists to use the left shoulder as an extra lane in designated areas as well as keeps travel available in both directions – helping to get people out and get supplies and resources in.
    • Work has been suspended and project sites secured on construction projects in the counties listed below to ensure all lanes are accessible for evacuations:
      • Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Suwannee, Sumter, Taylor, Union and Volusia counties.
  • FDOT Hurricane Milton statewide preparedness efforts include clearing shoulders in preparation for Emergency Should Use (ESU):
    • Securing high mast lighting, maintenance yards, active construction projects, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations that had returned to normal since Hurricane Helene.
    • Barges at the Howard Frankland Bridge project have been secured.
    • Barges at the Sanibel Causeway project have been secured.
    • Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
    • Completing repairs on malfunctioning vehicles and equipment in preparation for deployment.
    • Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
    • Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
    • Expanded Road Ranger Service across the impact zones.
  • Resources prepped and staged strategically (close to the projected path for quick implementation)
    • Cut & Toss Ops = 328 team members on standby
    • Over 1,015 generators
    • Over 350 pieces of heavy equipment and trucks
    • 67 pumps pre-positioned
    • Satellite internet equipment= 59 Starlink devices
    • Over 1,900 team members on standby for various emergency response efforts, including, damage assessment, flooding, traffic signals outages, etc.
    • FDOT has 21 drone pilots on standby
    • 8 ITS trailers staged
    • Over 150 bridge inspectors on standby
  • FDOT has removed 176,000 cubic yards of debris statewide resulting from Hurricane Helene.
  • FDOT is supporting our local communities with supplemental sand and debris removal from local roads on the barrier islands in Pinellas and Manatee counties.
  • At the direction of Gov. DeSantis, FDOT is coordinating debris removal assignments for the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture, amongst others, who have activated available state personnel and resources to clear and haul remaining debris.
    • 1,205 truckloads and nearly 22,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed from Pinellas County barrier islands.
    • 58 truckloads and over 1,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed from Manatee County barrier islands state roads.
  • FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
  • Transportation Modes:
  • Seaports, Airports, Rail, and Transit Agencies are preparing for storm conditions
  • Seaports
    • The following seaports are closed waterside: Port of Key West; Port Tampa Bay; Port St. Pete; SeaPort Manatee
    • The following seaports are operating waterside with restrictions to inbound vessels: Port of Fort Pierce; Port of Palm Beach; Port Everglades; PortMiami; JAXPORT; Port Canaveral
  • Airports
    • The following airports announced suspended flight operations beginning Tuesday, October 8: Tampa International Airport; Punta Gorda Airport; Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport; St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
    • The following airport announced suspended flight operations beginning Wednesday, October 9: Orlando International Airport
    • Check directly with your airline regarding delays and cancellations.
  • Railroads
    • The following passenger rail lines announced suspended or modified service beginning Tuesday, October 8: SunRail; Amtrak
    • Check directly with your rail provider for scheduling information.
  • Transit
    • The following transit agencies announced suspended or modified service beginning Tuesday, October 8: HART (Hillsborough); TECO Line Streetcar; Citrus Connection (Lakeland Area); Sarasota County; Charlotte County Transit; Pinellas PSTA; GoPasco paratransit; LeeTran
    • Check directly with your transit provider for scheduling information.
  • Spaceport
    • Spaceport partners are making the necessary preparations in anticipation of storm impacts.
  • Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.
  • DEP’s Emergency Final Order also removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, including coastal structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.
  • DEP is coordinating with Landfill Strike Teams to assess Disaster Debris Management Sites (DDMS) operating as a result of Hurricane Helene.
  • For counties and local governments in need of additional debris disposal locations, especially ahead of Hurricane Milton, DEP has approved all pending DDMS site activation requests and stands ready to approve the activation of any additional pre-authorized or new DDMSs that may be needed.
    • Currently, 202 DDMS have been authorized to operate for Hurricane Helene and an additional 16 for Hurricane Milton.
  • Hurricane Helene kicked up significant amounts of sediment and sand along the coastlines in and along its path. DEP is working with local governments to manage the excess sand and continue removal efforts.
    • For sand that has accumulated on private properties, residents should return it to the beach if it appears clean, smells fresh and is free of debris. If the sand contains debris, residents should contact their local government to find the nearest disposal site. DEP has worked with counties to establish temporary staging areas to properly screen the sand before it is returned to the beach. There are currently 20 DDMSs managing sand in Pinellas and Manatee counties.
  • DEP is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to ensure preparations are underway to support drinking and wastewater facilities ahead of Hurricane Milton.
  • All significant hazardous waste facilities, both phosphate and non-phosphate mines, and all drinking water and wastewater facilities in potentially affected counties have been notified to ensure all pre-storm preparations are being made.
  • Florida’s water management districts are engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state to proactively move water into water management district-canal and lake systems to lower water levels in advance of the storm. In addition, they have more than 20 temporary pumps on stand-by to alleviate any potential localized flooding. As part of standard operations, DEP and Florida’s water management districts continue to monitor water systems and river levels as the storm develops.
  • DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has staged high-water rescue vehicles in preparation for landfall of Hurricane Milton.
  • FHP is mobilizing 74 Quick Response Force (QRF) Troopers to stage in preparation for the incoming storm.
  • FHP is mobilizing 7 drone teams to staging areas in preparation for search and rescue operations and damage assessments post-landfall.
  • FHP continues to provide assistance with ingress and egress into debris disposal sites in Pinellas County.
  • FHP is providing UAV overwatch over debris disposal sites
  • FHP is providing security at the Pinellas County Landfill and assisting with traffic entering and exiting.
  • All FHP Troops statewide will be going to Alpha/Bravo shifts effective today. All days off have been canceled.
  • FHP will be assisting with debris cleanup in the Tampa area.
  • FHP worked with its partners at FDOT to prepare and implement the Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) plan for evacuations on Interstate 4 in the Tampa area and on Interstate 75 North up to Interstate 10.
  • FHP Troopers are actively monitoring traffic along the ESU routes to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow.
  • FHP is assisting with traffic control outside Tropicana Field for debris cleanup crews.
  • FHP’s fleet of 6 skid steers are staging in preparation to deploy to affected areas to clear debris, open roadways, and restore order.
  • FHP Troopers are still actively patrolling areas damaged by Hurricane Helene to ensure there are no problems with looting.
  • FHP is providing security at multiple fuel sites across the state.
  • 25 FHP Troopers escorted fuel trucks from Port Tamp and Port Manatee to fueling stations around the Tampa area throughout the night. Additional Troopers will continue these escorts around the clock as long as it is safe to do so until landfall.
  • FHP air support is staged and prepared to deploy when needed.
  • FHP drone units are deployed assisting ground crews with debris cleanup in Pinellas County.
  • The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is actively preparing mitigation measures by deploying evacuation assets, and has successfully evacuated over 2,500 inmates, with more to come throughout the day. Updates will be made available to the public at www.fdc.myflorida.com/weather-updates.
  • The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton and is working with school districts as they finalize preparation efforts. The Department is also in close contact with districts outside of the predicted cone that will be serving as storm shelters for those evacuating. Updates on school closures can be found at FLDOE.org/storminfo.
Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers
  • The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is staging assets and personnel across 13 offices statewide and is prepared to surge resources to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene that receive a second impact from Hurricane Milton.
  • Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz.
  • Yesterday, DBPR announced that the State of Florida is working with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to Waive Pet Policies for Hurricane Milton Evacuees. Lodging operators who have waived pet policies and fees are encouraged to complete DBPR’s Lodging Pet Fee Waiver Information Sheet. For a list of hotels that have waived pet policies and fees, visit myfloridalicense.com/emergency.
  • FloridaCommerce is communicating and coordinating with more than 200 private sector partners across the state, encouraging them to review their emergency plans for their businesses and prepare their employees in advance of Hurricane Milton.
  • FloridaCommerce is working with private sector banking partners to ensure that evacuees have access to banks and are able to withdraw cash.
  • POSTPONED: Due to Hurricane Milton, FloridaCommerce has postponed the One-Stop Business Resource Sites that were expected to open in Citrus, Dixie, Levy, Manatee and Pasco counties.
  • The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) is coordinating with regional offices to prepare staff and clients ahead of the storm.
  • FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida hosted a pre-storm briefing with the 21 Local Workforce Development Boards and 38 Community Action Agencies across the state to assist employees and employers after the weather event.
  • CareerSource Florida Career Center closures can be found on FloridaDisaster.biz.
  • Scenic Stays Vacation Rentals in Northwest Florida has a 35% discount with promotion code MILTON. Go to myscenicstays.com or call 850-407-2244 to book.
  • Wawa stores in Florida are providing free coffee and fountain beverages to all first responders, including National Guard in Florida in appreciation for all they are doing to support and serve our communities during hurricane response and recovery efforts.
  • FloridaCommerce is working with VISIT FLORIDA, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and other private sector partners to secure lodging for evacuees and first responders in response to Hurricane Milton.
  • VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline are available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
  • Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates for those in the 51 counties declared as under a state of emergency by Governor Ron DeSantis.
  • Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has extended special offers for Evacuees and First Responders in need of accommodations in the event of an evacuation. Please see the linked pages below for more information.
    • EVACUEES Good for stays through October 31. Book by October 29
    • FIRST RESPONDERS Good for stays through December 31. Book by December 29.
  • FloridaCommerce activated the Private Sector Hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
  • FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector coordination calls. Briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners. For call information email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
  • The state of Florida has worked with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Florida’s hotel industry to waive or relax any no-pet policies so that Hurricane Milton evacuees can safely bring their pets with them to hotels throughout the state.
  • FloridaCommerce has worked with Walmart to successfully identify and secure sites for debris disposal and additional shelters for evacuees.
  • Space Florida is securing facilities along the Space Coast in preparation for Hurricane Milton’s arrival.
  • FloridaCommerce has worked with Citrus Springs Industrial Holdings to secure water supplies, facilities for sheltering evacuees and land use for fuel truck staging, debris removal and first responder base camps.
  • FloridaCommerce has worked with City Furniture to secure first responder lodging in their warehouse facilities.
  • The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) offers online resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services provider(s), including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.
  • OIR, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers. Information can be found here.

    For previous updates see below:
    10/6/2024 (1)
    10/6/2024 (2)
    10/7/2024 (1)
    10/7/2024 (2)

    Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Milton.
###

https://www.flgov.com/2024/10/08/go...-preparedness-efforts-for-hurricane-milton-3/
 
BULLETIN
Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 15
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL142024
400 PM CDT Tue Oct 08 2024

...MILTON BACK TO CATEGORY 5 STRENGTH...
...FLORIDA RESIDENTS SHOULD GET THEIR FAMILIES AND HOMES READY AND
EVACUATE IF TOLD TO DO SO...​


SUMMARY OF 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...22.7N 87.5W
ABOUT 320 MI...520 KM WSW OF THE DRY TORTUGAS
ABOUT 480 MI...775 KM SW OF TAMPA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...165 MPH...270 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 75 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...918 MB...27.11 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The Storm Surge Warning along the U.S. east coast has been extended
southward to Sebastian Inlet, Florida, and northward to Altamaha
Sound, Georgia.


The Hurricane Warning along the east coast of Florida has been
extended southward to the St. Lucie/Martin County Line.


The Tropical Storm Warning along the U.S. east coast has been
extended northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the Florida east coast from
the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to the Palm Beach/Martin County
Line.


SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* Florida west coast from Flamingo northward to Suwannee River,
including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
* Sebastian Inlet Florida to Altamaha Sound Georgia, including the
St. Johns River


A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Florida west coast from Bonita Beach northward to Suwannee River,
including Tampa Bay
* Florida east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line northward
to Ponte Vedra Beach


A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for...
* North of Altamaha Sound Georgia to Edisto Beach South Carolina


A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Dry Tortugas
* Lake Okeechobee
* Florida west coast from Chokoloskee to south of Bonita Beach
* Florida east coast north of Ponte Vedra Beach to the mouth of the
St. Marys River
* Florida east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to the
Palm Beach/Martin County Line

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Dzilam to Cancun Mexico
* Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay
* Lake Okeechobee
* Florida west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach
* Florida west coast from north of Suwanee River to Indian Pass
* Florida east coast south of the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to
Flamingo
* North of Ponte Vedra Beach Florida to Altamaha Sound Georgia
* Extreme northwestern Bahamas, including Grand Bahama Island, the
Abacos, and Bimini

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* North of Altamaha Sound Georgia to South Santee River South
Carolina

-SNIP-


DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 400 PM CDT (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Milton was located
near latitude 22.7 North, longitude 87.5 West. Milton wobbled
earlier today, but the longer-term motion is toward the
east-northeast near 9 mph (15 km/h). A turn toward the northeast
with an increase in forward speed is expected to begin tonight and
continue through early Thursday. A turn toward the east-northeast
and east is expected on Thursday and Friday. On the forecast
track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of
Mexico through Wednesday, make landfall along the west-central
coast of Florida Wednesday night, and move off the east coast of
Florida over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.


Satellite images indicate that maximum sustained winds have
increased to near 165 mph
(270 km/h) with higher gusts. Milton is a
category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Fluctuations in intensity are likely while Milton moves across the
eastern Gulf of Mexico, but Milton is expected to be a dangerous
major hurricane when it reaches the west-central coast of Florida
Wednesday night.


Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles
(220 km).


The estimated minimum central pressure is 918 mb (27.11 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key Messages for Milton can be found in the Tropical Cyclone
Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT4 and WMO header WTNT44 KNHC
and on the web at hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT4.shtml

STORM SURGE: A storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 2
to 4 feet above ground level along the northern coast of the
Yucatan Peninsula in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the
surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause
normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters
moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the
following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if
the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...

Anclote River, FL to Englewood, FL...10-15 ft
Tampa Bay...10-15 ft
Englewood, FL to Bonita Beach, FL...8-12 ft
Charlotte Harbor...8-12 ft
Chassahowitzka, FL to Anclote River, FL...5-10 ft
Bonita Beach, FL to Chokoloskee, FL...5-8 ft
Chokoloskee, FL to Flamingo, FL...3-5 ft
Yankeetown, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL...3-5 ft
Sebastian Inlet, FL to Altamaha Sound, GA...3-5 ft
Altamaha Sound, GA to Edisto Beach, SC...2-4 ft
Suwannee River, FL to Yankeetown, FL...2-4 ft
Dry Tortugas...2-4 ft
St. Johns River...2-4 ft

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to
the south of the landfall location, where the surge will be
accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding
depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle,
and can vary greatly over short distances. For information
specific to your area, please see products issued by your local
National Weather Service forecast office.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/DDHHMM.shtml
 
10/8/2024
ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts for Hurricane Milton



TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared Perdue at the Florida Horse Park Logistics Staging Area (LSA) in Ocala to provide updates on preparedness efforts for Hurricane Milton.

As of 5 p.m. ET, Hurricane Milton is located about 480 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph. Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico through Wednesday, make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida Wednesday night, and move off the east coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.

Hurricane Warning: Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia counties.

Hurricane Watch: Clay, Collier, Dry Tortugas, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Lake Okeechobee, Martin and Nassau counties.

​continued; https://www.floridadisaster.org/news-media/news/202410082/


 
[TABLE="border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 5"]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 8"]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 22%"]8:00 AM EDT Wed Oct 9

LOCATION...25.0N 84.8W
ABOUT 120 MI...195 KM W OF THE DRY TORTUGAS
ABOUT 250 MI...405 KM SW OF TAMPA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...155 MPH...250 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 40 DEGREES AT 16 MPH...26 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...915 MB...27.02 INCHES​



...WINDS WILL BEGIN TO INCREASE ALONG THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA BY
THIS AFTERNOON...
...PREPARATIONS, INCLUDING EVACUATION IF TOLD TO DO SO, SHOULD BE
RUSHED TO COMPLETION THIS MORNING...

​CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

None.​

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/091147.shtml[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
 
Hurricane Milton Tropical Cyclone Update
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL142024
1000 AM EDT Wed Oct 09 2024

...ENSURE YOU ARE IN YOUR SAFE LOCATION BEFORE THE ONSET OF
STRONG WINDS OR POSSIBLE FLOODING...
...1000 AM EDT POSITION UPDATE...

Now is the time to rush to complete all preparations to protect life
and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are
in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible
flooding. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

The next update will be with the routine advisory package at
1100 AM EDT (1500 UTC).

SUMMARY OF 1000 AM EDT...1400 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...25.5N 84.5W
ABOUT 115 MI...185 KM WNW OF THE DRY TORTUGAS
ABOUT 210 MI...340 KM SW OF TAMPA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...155 MPH...250 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 40 DEGREES AT 16 MPH...26 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...919 MB...27.14 INCHES​

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCUAT4+shtml/091357.shtml
 
Louisiana search and rescue teams deployed to Florida in advance of Hurricane Milton
...
Author: Paul Murphy / WWL Louisiana
Published: 5:28 PM CDT October 8, 2024
Updated: 5:28 PM CDT October 8, 2024

NEW ORLEANS — Urban search and rescue and water rescue teams from across the south are staging outside Tallahassee as Florida braces for impacts from a monster storm, Hurricane Milton which is barreling toward the Tampa Bay area.

St. Bernard Fire Chief Earl Borden is leading Louisiana Task Force One, made up of first responders from St. Bernard and Lafourche Parishes along with the New Orleans, Kenner and Hammond Fire Departments.
...
“They are trained in structure collapse, trench rescue, swift water rescue, so we have equipment and supplies pretty much for any situation that may arise from the hurricane aftermath,” Borden said.
...
“It’s important for us, especially living in Louisiana where we’ve had to rely on our neighbors so many times for us to contribute,” Nelson said. “Florida, they’re not sure what they’re going to need right now.”
...
Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alabama and Texas have also sent first responders to Florida in advance of Hurricane Milton.
...
https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/...lton/289-7f23a653-67af-4bd0-93c9-ed059e730cfa
 
000
WTNT44 KNHC 091456
TCDAT4

Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 18
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL142024
1100 AM EDT Wed Oct 09 2024


Milton's structure has begun to change due to the onset of strong
southwesterly shear,
which UW-CIMSS is analyzing to be 30-35 kt.
The cloud canopy has become more asymmetric with dry air
infiltrating the western side of the circulation, and the eye has
also become cloud filled.
The NOAA and Air Force Reserve
Hurricane Hunters observed that the eye is open to the south, and a
very recent dropsonde indicates that the minimum pressure is up to
931 mb. Milton's intensity is therefore set at 125 kt on this
advisory.

Deep-layer shear is expected to increase further today and this
evening, and continued weakening is anticipated. However, since
Milton only has another 12 hours or so over water, it is expected
to still be a major hurricane when it makes landfall tonight.
The
NHC intensity forecast lies between the statistical-dynamical models
and the consensus aids at 12 hours, meaning that Milton is likely
to be a category 3 or 4 strength at landfall
. A slow decay in the
winds is expected after landfall, but Milton is anticipated to move
off the east coast of Florida on Thursday still as a hurricane. On
another note, Milton is expected to begin interacting with a front
later this evening, which is likely to cause the wind field to
expand on the hurricane's northwestern side. This will likely
cause very strong, gusty winds to occur even to the north of where
Milton makes landfall.


Milton is moving quickly toward the northeast (035/15 kt). The
track models insist that the hurricane will continue to move
northeastward but slow down through the rest of today, with a turn
toward the east-northeast occurring overnight. The NHC track
forecast maintains continuity with the previous predictions, lying
near the northern boundary of the guidance envelope and close to
where the raw model fields bring the center onshore.

We would like to emphasize that Milton's exact landfall location is
not possible to predict even at this time, particularly if the
hurricane wobbles during the day and into this evening.
Even at
12-24 hours, NHC's track forecasts can be off by an average of 20-30
nm. Since storm surge forecasts are highly sensitive to the exact
track, this means that the realized storm surge heights across the
Tampa Bay region and south may vary widely, and there will likely be
a noticeable gradient of surge heights to the north of the landfall
location. However, the risk of devastating storm surge still exists
across much of the west-central and southwest coast of Florida given
the size of the storm and the uncertainties in exactly where
landfall will occur.

Finally, damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy
rainfall will extend well outside the forecast cone. This is a very
serious situation and residents in Florida should closely follow
orders from their local emergency management officials. Evacuations
and other preparations should be completed over the next couple of
hours.


Key Messages:

1. A large area of destructive storm surge, with highest inundations
of 10 ft or greater, is expected along a portion of the west-central
coast of the Florida Peninsula. If you are in the Storm Surge
Warning area, this is an extremely life-threatening situation. The
time to evacuate, if told to do so by local officials, is quickly
coming to a close.


2. Devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of
the west coast of Florida,
where a Hurricane Warning is in effect.
Milton is forecast to remain a hurricane while it crosses the
Florida Peninsula and life-threatening hurricane-force winds,
especially in gusts, are expected to spread inland across the
peninsula. Preparations to protect life and property, including
being ready for long-duration power outages, should be rushed to
completion.

3. Heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday
brings the risk of catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban
flooding
along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in
areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the
overall flood threat.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 09/1500Z 25.8N 84.3W 125 KT 145 MPH
12H 10/0000Z 27.0N 83.0W 110 KT 125 MPH
24H 10/1200Z 28.0N 81.1W 75 KT 85 MPH...INLAND

36H 11/0000Z 28.7N 78.3W 65 KT 75 MPH...OVER WATER
48H 11/1200Z 29.1N 75.1W 55 KT 65 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
60H 12/0000Z 29.3N 72.0W 50 KT 60 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
72H 12/1200Z 29.9N 68.9W 45 KT 50 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
96H 13/1200Z 31.4N 62.2W 35 KT 40 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
120H 14/1200Z 32.8N 55.9W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP

$$
Forecaster Berg​

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCDAT4+shtml/090855.shtml?

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Ron DeSantis
@GovRonDeSantis



As of this morning, Hurricane Milton is still a Category 4 storm. Even if it weakens before landfall, Milton will be a major hurricane with catastrophic impacts on our state.

Now is the time to execute your hurricane preparedness plan. Heed evacuation warnings from your local emergency management officials. Time is running out—but there are free shelters in your area with enormous capacity still available, traffic is flowing, and shuttles and Uber rides are still available at no cost. You don’t need to evacuate hundreds of miles but tens of miles to avoid deadly storm surge. Belongings can be replaced; your life cannot.

If you are not in a mandatory evacuation zone and choose to shelter in place, be prepared for power outages and make sure you operate your generator safely after the storm.

We have over 50,000 linemen and all the necessary equipment staged just outside of Milton’s path. This is the largest staging of power restoration linemen in Florida’s history, and they are ready to get to work restoring power as soon as the storm passes. Florida is grateful for them, and for all the first responders and emergency management professionals who are working around the clock to keep our communities safe.

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9:22 AM · Oct 9, 2024
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