In a hurry? Here's what's happening with Hurricane Milton in less than a minute.
After developing into a monster Category 5 hurricane in the bathtub-warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, slamming into Florida's west coast Wednesday evening as a Category 3, and rampaging across the state to emerge into the Atlantic early Thursday morning still a hurricane, Milton finally dropped down to post-cyclone status with 70 mph sustained winds, according to the National Hurricane Center's last Milton advisory .
Milton brought with it tornadoes , storm surge and heavy rain after making landfall near Siesta Key Wednesday evening. The storm left millions without power early Thursday morning and many without homes.
At least 10 fatalities were reported , including five in St. Lucie County , during the wave of tropical tornadoes that swept across the southern part of the state Thursday afternoon before Milton even made landfall.
Milton hit Florida as a Category 3 storm with 120-mph sustained winds but quickly began weakening as it made its way inland.
➤ Spaghetti models for Hurricane Milton
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At 11 a.m., Milton continued moving away from Florida as a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 80 mph. Portions of the Southeast coast and extreme northwestern Bahamas were feeling tropical-storm conditions and storm surge, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Tampa Bay was spared a massive storm surge and instead experienced a reverse storm surge that saw the waters of the bay pushed out, revealing wet sand. But winds, rain and flooding savaged a coast still reeling from Hurricane Helene that hit Florida just two weeks ago.
➤ Reverse storm surge? What is that?
➤ WeatherTiger: Hurricane Milton updates: Meteorologist's blow-by-blow as storm tore through Florida
Where did Hurricane Milton make landfall?
The center of Milton came ashore near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane with 120-mph winds at 8:30 p.m., according to the National Hurricane Center.
Where is Siesta Key, Florida?
Siesta Key is a barrier island about five miles south of Sarasota or 45 miles south of Tampa on Florida's west coast. It's just over 100 miles southwest of Orlando.
Post-tropical Cyclone Milton: What you need to know
As of the 5 p.m. National Hurricane Center advisory reported:
- Location : 220 miles north-northeast of Great Abaco Island
- Maximum sustained winds: 70 mph
- Movement : east at 21 mph
➤ Spaghetti models for Post-tropical Cyclone Milton
At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Post-Tropical Cyclone Milton was located near latitude 29.5 North, longitude 76.3 West. Milton is moving toward the east near 21 mph, and this general motion with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next several days.
On the forecast track, the center of the post-tropical cyclone will pass to the south of Bermuda late Friday.
Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 70 mph with higher gusts. Additional weakening is forecast during the next several days.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 310 miles from the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 983 mb (29.03 inches).
Watches, warnings still in effect for Florida
All watches and warnings for Milton have been discontinued.
Spaghetti models for Post-tropical Cyclone Milton
Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.
➤ Track Hurricane Milton
Excessive rainfall forecast
Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Post-tropical Cyclone Milton
- Gusty winds and coastal flooding will gradually diminish along portions of the southeastern U.S. coast through tonight.
- In the wake of heavy rainfall from Milton, the risk of considerable urban flooding will linger through this evening across east central Florida. Moderate to major river flooding is ongoing and forecast throughout central Florida.
- In Florida, continue to use caution since deadly hazards remain, including downed power lines and flooded areas. Ensure generators are properly ventilated and placed outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are cleaning up storm damage, be careful when using chainsaws and power tools, and drink plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion.
Are any more impacts expected from Hurricane Milton?
Storm surge: Coastal flooding is expected to continue along portions of the southeastern U.S. coast through tonight. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas:
- Altamaha Sound, GA to Port Canaveral, FL...1-3 ft
- St. Johns River...1-3 ft
Wind: Gusty winds will likely continue along portions of the southeastern U.S. coast through tonight.
Rainfall : Additional rainfall amounts up to an inch are possible along the northeastern coast of Florida through this evening. In the wake of heavy rainfall from Milton, the risk of considerable urban flooding will linger through this evening across east central Florida. Moderate to major river flooding is ongoing and forecast throughout central Florida.
➤ Excessive rainfall forecast
Surf : Swells generated by Milton are expected to continue to affect portions of the southeast U.S. and the Bahamas during the next couple of days. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
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(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Milton weakens to post-tropical cyclone, storm surge and rainfall still a danger for coast
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