Will Milton make landfall as a Category 5 hurricane?
(NEXSTAR) — Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm on Monday, less than 24 hours after it became a Category 1 storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
In its Monday afternoon update, the National Hurricane Center said Milton is roughly 715 miles west-southwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.
Current modeling suggests Milton will make landfall at or near Tampa, which has not taken a direct hit from a hurricane in a century.
The question remains, though: When Milton makes landfall, will it still be a Category 5 storm?
If you're familiar with hurricanes (or have been watching live coverage of the storm), you may already know Milton is expected to weaken before hitting Florida.
Forecasting as of Monday afternoon predicts Hurricane Milton will likely be a major Category 3 storm when it reaches Florida. It is currently on track to reach the state's coast Wednesday evening, but that could vary by 6 to 12 hours either way, according to WFLA's chief meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli.
There have only been four hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S. as a Category 5 storm, NOAA records show:
- "Labor Day" in September 1935
- Camille in August 1969
- Andrew in August 1992
- Michael in October 2018
Hurricanes usually don't hold their Category 5 strength for more than a day. This, according to weather experts, is usually due to eyewall replacement cycles, or when a new eye replaces the former. Storms may become weaker in the process but can strengthen once a new eye forms.
Once a hurricane reaches colder water or land and has less of the warm ocean water to power it, the storm will weaken, NOAA explains.
Video: Satellite video shows Hurricane Milton on Monday
"Thankfully, once [Milton] interacts with the jet stream, it is going to encounter some wind shear, so it won't be nearly this strong," WFLA meteorologist Eric Stone said Monday after the storm reached Category 5 strength. "It is still going to be a major hurricane as it approaches [Florida's] west coast."
Forecasters have warned of a possible 8- to 12-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay and said flash and river flooding could result from 5 to 10 inches of rain in mainland Florida and the Keys, with as much as 15 inches in places.
WFLA is providing continuing coverage of Milton's progress, evacuation orders, and more.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Date: |
-
Business - Financial Times
Oil surges above $80 as conflict and storm spark supply fears
Hedge funds reverse short positions as market has surged nearly 20% from year-to-date low in the last month52 minutes ago -
Top stories - BBC News
Hurricane Milton intensifies to category five strength as it heads towards Florida
The dangerous storm is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday night or early Thursday.5 hours ago - Florida -
Top stories - NBC News
Hurricane Milton strengthens to a Category 5 storm
Hurricane Milton has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida's Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall Wednesday. NBC News' Dana Griffin and Bill Karins report on the ...4 hours ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Hurricane Milton now Category 5 storm
Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 5 storm as it barrels toward the U.S. threatening much of Florida's West coast with monumental surges and potential flooding. CBS News' Cristian ...3 hours ago -
Top stories - ABC News
Hurricane Milton tracker: Milton strengthens to Category 5 storm with 175 mph winds
Hurricane Milton strengthened on Monday to a Category 5 storm.10 minutes ago -
World - The Guardian
Hurricane Milton intensifies to category 5 as Florida braces for ‘major impacts’
Storm could make landfall on Wednesday as state prepares what could be biggest evacuation since 2017. Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a category 5 hurricane, just two days before it ...3 hours ago - Florida -
Top stories - ABC News
Florida officials give evacuation orders as Hurricane Milton reaches Category 5
Florida officials are urging residents to evacuate as Hurricane Milton intensifies.1 hour ago - Florida
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
White House, Fox News' Peter Doocy spar over Helene response
White House press secretary Karine Jean Pierre and Fox News reporter Peter Doocy sparred on Monday over the Biden administration's response to the damage and destruction wrought by Hurricane ...34 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Sen. Rubio: Milton looks 'almost identical' to worst-case storm scenario for Florida
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R) said Monday that Hurricane Milton looks “almost identical” to a worst-case storm scenario presented to him for the Sunshine State. “Several years ago I asked [the ...42 minutes ago - Florida -
Politics - The Hill
Al Pacino claims he almost died of COVID: 'I was gone'
During a podcast appearance on The New York Times’ “The Interview," Al Pacino claims he once nearly died of COVID.46 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Costco gold bars are selling out as prices for the precious metal break records: Survey
Move over, gas and hot dogs. Costco shoppers are snatching up the store's 1-ounce gold bars despite the market's lofty price for the precious metal.1 hour ago -
Politics - The Hill
FTC antitrust case against Amazon moves forward, several state claims dismissed
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust case against Amazon will move forward, but several state claims against the e-commerce giant were dismissed, according to a newly unsealed ruling. In ...1 hour ago