Hurricane Milton is anticipated to significantly impact Florida as forecasts suggest it could be more severe than Hurricane Helene. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm. Many Floridians are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused devastating storm surges and extensive flooding in several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. While Hurricane Milton primarily targets Florida, the central coast counties are facing the greatest risks.
Comparative Impact of Hurricane Milton Versus Helene
Hurricane Milton is projected to generate a much higher storm surge compared to Hurricane Helene, particularly affecting Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and surrounding regions along the western coastline of Florida.
The latest NWS forecast indicates Tampa Bay could experience a storm surge of 8 to 10 feet, while Charlotte Harbor may see 5 to 10 feet. This surge is more than double the levels experienced during Hurricane Helene, which recorded 3 to 5 feet in Tampa Bay and 2 to 4 feet in Charlotte Harbor.
After the damage from Hurricane Helene, Tampa remains vulnerable, with many areas still closed off due to debris and sand. Residents are urged to clear away any accumulated debris promptly as it poses a risk during hurricanes and could obstruct drainage systems.
In terms of intensity, Hurricane Milton has already reached Category 5 status in the Gulf, while Hurricane Helene maintained a lower profile, peaking at Category 4 upon landfall. Meteorological experts predict that as Milton approaches Florida, it may expand in size but weaken to Category 3 or lower due to wind shear and dry air conditions.
Despite the anticipated weakening, significant storm surge is still forecasted, particularly from the southeast quadrant of the storm. Initial projections show Milton could directly impact Tampa, leading to potential surge heights of up to 15 feet.
As Hurricane Milton continues its path across Florida, areas like Jacksonville and Daytona Beach could face heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Fortunately, the storm’s trajectory suggests it will likely avoid Georgia and South Carolina.
It’s worth noting that models for Hurricane Milton have shifted since Saturday, with earlier predictions estimating it would top out at Category 3 or 4. The rapid intensification observed has left forecasters reevaluating the potential for even greater storm surge as the hurricane progresses.
