At 5:10 p.m., the National Weather Service announced Southwest Florida is officially under a hurricane warning.
"A hurricane warning is in effect for this area for dangerous and damaging winds," it stated.
The warning is issued about 36 hours before hazardous conditions begin, it stated in an alert.
"Urgently complete efforts to protect life and property. Hafe food, water, cash, fuel and medications for three-plus days," it stated.
CATEGORY 5
Hurricane Milton's sustained winds rose to 175 miles per hour Monday afternoon, just hours after the storm was upgraded to a category 5 hurricane with 160 mph winds.
Milton explosively intensifies withe 175-mph winds," the National Hurricane Center in Miami stated in its 2 p.m. update. "Residents in Florida are urged to follow the advice of local officials."
So far, officials in Charlotte and Sarasota counties have ordered evacuations for anyone in Zone A or B, people in mobile homes, or people in homes that are already weakened by Hurricane Helene as it passed by Florida's west coast less than two weeks ago.
The storm's center was 700 miles southwest of Tampa at 2 p.m., and headed northeast at about 9 mph.
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane.
11:14 a.m.
"Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Milton has strengthened to a category 5 hurricane.
"The maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 160 mph with higher gusts. Data from the aircraft also indicate that the minimum pressure has fallen to 925 millibars, the update states.
The storm is still about 715 miles southwest of Tampa off the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, moving northeast toward the west coast of Florida at 9 miles per hour.
It is expected to make landfall sometime Wednesday
EVACUATIONS ORDERED FOR ZONES A, B
Sarasota County and Charlotte County have issued evacuation orders due to the threat of Hurricane Milton, which is now a Category 4 storm.
For Sarasota County, the evacuations are for Zones A and B:
"An evacuation order is in place for Levels A and B, manufactured communities or a mobile or boat home," it stated. "Those living in level C should be prepared to evacuate if the storm intensifies. If you’re unsure of your evacuation level, visit the Know Your Evacuation Level website now: www.scgov.net/beprepared."
It stated that evacuation centers open at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
"When heading to an evacuation center, prepare your checklist of items. All evacuation centers are pet-friendly, but you must bring all supplies including a crate," it stated. "Evacuation centers cannot provide chairs, bedding, cots, blankets or pet supplies."
Evacuations are being ordered for Charlotte County residents in Zones A and B on Monday morning.
"Your area is at risk from storm surge due to Hurricane Milton," the county stated. Evacuations have been ordered for the Red and Orange Zones, also known as Zones A and B. This includes residents in ANY zone who are living in mobile and manufactured homes," it stated.
It said people need to secure their homes before leaving and take "essential items" for all the family members, including medicine, important documents, personal items, clothing, supplies for babies and pets and some money.
"The barrier islands are included in Red Zone-A evacuations," it stated. "When islands are evacuated, Charlotte County Fire and EMS Station 10 staff are required to evacuate as well."
It noted helicopters are not available during Hurricane Milton when it nears the area.
EARLIER:
The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center have posted storm surge and hurricane watches for Florida for Hurricane Milton.
And storm surge could become a considerable threat with Milton.
During Helene less than two weeks ago, Englewood, Charlotte Harbor and Venice received between 5-8 feet of storm surge that damaged many coastal homes and businesses.
Milton may do that again - with a potential for being higher, the report states.
From the Anclote River near Tampa Bay to Englewood, there is a storm surge of 8-12 feet predicted. That would include the cities of Venice and Sarasota
From the Englewood area and Charlotte Harbor, then south to Bonita Beach, it is possible to see 5-10 feet of storm surge.
"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," it stated. "Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances."
Currently still more than 700 miles away, it is moving east-northeast at 8 mph and gaining considerable strength, according to a 5 a.m. update.
"A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for the Gulf coast of Florida from Chokoloskee northward to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay, and the Dry Tortugas," it stated.
Its top sustained winds are now 100 mph.
"A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay," the National Weather Service stated.
According to the 5 a.m. forecast, tropical storm force winds will arrive Tuesday night.
EARLIER
The region’s schools have already closed for at least the first three days this week, and evacuations are being prepared.
Milton, slowly brewing for weeks as a sloppy tropical system off the Mexican coast, finally took shape over the weekend and quickly became a threat to Southwest Florida.
And while its landfall is to be determined, its threat is considerable.
“Milton may be a historic, once-in-a-lifetime storm for Floridians,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter stated in a news release. “Milton has the potential to become one of Florida’s most damaging and costly hurricanes, as indicated by AccuWeather hurricane experts rating the storm a 4 on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes.”
There are significant, and different, threats — from flash floods to tornadoes to storm surge in some areas, it stated.
Throughout the region Sunday, there was a clarion call for caution and a heads-up about evacuations.
AccuWeather meteorologists were among the first to suggest Hurricane Milton is going to become one that’ll be remembered.
“AccuWeather is warning of a high risk to lives and property in Tampa, Fort Myers and other cities along the Gulf coast and parts of central Florida,” it stated.
Rains could last through Thursday morning, it stated.
“Heavy rainfall is forecast this week as deep moisture streams across the area,” it stated.
The National Weather Service predicts 5-8 inches of rain with some areas adding perhaps 12 inches onto already saturated lands and filled canals.
OFFICIALS URGE PREPARATIONSThroughout the region, officials sent out messages for residents to prepare.
Charlotte County officials declared a local state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Milton, which is expected to impact the region this week.
The county is already under a flood watch and had flash flood warnings on Saturday.
“Tropical Storm Milton is strengthening and is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s west coast,” it stated.
Other area municipalities are expected to follow suit with local states of emergency Monday.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 out of the 67 Florida counties because of Hurricane Milton.
Charlotte County Public Schools and School District of DeSoto County facilities are closed Monday-Thursday and may reopen Friday, depending on circumstances. Sarasota County Schools is closed Monday-Wednesday, at least initially.
EVACUATIONS Sarasota and Charlotte County officials are stating they will be evacuating residents in some areas of the region.
“Sarasota County is urging the community to take this storm seriously,” it stated. “The county will be calling for evacuations in Levels A and potentially Levels A and B ahead of (Hurricane) Milton, which is expected to reach major hurricane strength before impacting our community.”
It stated those who live in a Level A or B, or live in a manufactured home community, a mobile home or a boat home should “implement your plan.”
“Whether it’s staying with a family member or friend in a different level or leaving the area,” it stated. “If your plan is to leave the area, do so now. This will be one of the largest evacuations along our state’s west coast. If you wait, you will get stuck in traffic.”
Those who are staying should prepare for rough weather incoming.
“Now is the time to prepare your property and ensure you have your supplies, such as water, non-perishable food and medicines ready for a minimum of seven days for each member of your family,” it stated.
Charlotte County had a similar mindset.
“All residents should know where they will evacuate if ordered. If evacuating from our county is part of your emergency plan, go now,” it stated. “You do not have to wait for orders to evacuate. Delaying evacuation plans may cause you to be stuck in traffic jams.”
It gave tips on how to evacuate.
“Residents who live in areas prone to flooding, in a mobile or manufactured home or RV, or an evacuation zone should be ready to leave,” it stated. “It is recommended that residents evacuate tens of miles and not hundreds to avoid traffic jams ... If you choose not to evacuate, you could become trapped in a building due to rising flood water. If waters continue to rise, go to the highest level of the building, but do not climb into a closed attic.”
North Port Fire Chief Scott Titus stated residents who live in Level A and B areas need to take heed to calls of evacuation.
“If you do not leave, there is a strong likelihood you would be inaccessible by emergency services for the duration of the storm and multiple days following,” Titus stated in a news release. “You will likely be without power and could have high levels of water and hazards in your home that have a likelihood of danger to life and health.”
The Daily Sun spoke to North Port Communication Manager Jason Bartolone on Sunday.
“Public Works staff are doing all they can to lower water levels throughout our stormwater system in preparation,” he stated in an email. “However, because the ground is already saturated from our near record rainfall this year, there will still be ponding in the streets due to additional excessive rainfall.”
RESIDENTS PREPAREIn Englewood, Dearborn Street businesses prepared for the potential hurricane. One side of the street began boarding up windows.
Dearborn Coffeehouse and Bakery owner Kris Hartley said Hurricane Milton is unwelcomed after Hurricane Helene a week ago.
“We’re figuring out our preparations,” Hartley said. “I think we should go get sandbags, but I’ve heard it’s crazy out there, and I need to get bags since they don’t have any for us anymore.”
Hartley is concerned about storm surge and flooding after water came up all the way to Blue Pineapple during Hurricane Helene. The coffee shop is a short walk from Blue Pineapple.
“It’s concerning, especially if it hits north of us,” she said. “The south side of the hurricane gets bad storm surge.”
The windows have a protective film to last through strong winds. Milton might test that theory out.
At the Ann Dever Regional Park, a sand bag station for residents was busy.
People huddled around a dwindling mound of sand. Jane Maenner and her friend, Joe Blanchfield, worked together to fill garbage bags full of sand.
They live in South Gulf Cove and weren’t damaged by Helene, but Maenner isn’t taking that for granted.
“The water came up really high on the driveway, and it was very scary,” Maenner said. “Milton is expected to be much, much worse.”
Maenner moved from Miami in 2022.
“I’m ready to move out of Florida,” she said. “I’m ready to go back to the panhandle of Texas where we just have tornados and go to the storm shelter.”
Maenner said Mother Nature is not something to mess with.
“Anything can change, so you have to prepare for the worst and pray for the best,” she said. “I hope everyone is safe.”
SANDBAGS SITUATIONCharlotte County offered sand bags to residents over the weekend.
“Charlotte County sandbag sites are now closed,” it stated Sunday evening. “The county distributed more than 1 million pounds of sand at three sites over the past two days.”
Venice will offer sand and sandbags Monday. Sand and sandbags will be offered at 252 Seaboard Ave. on Monday beginning at 8 a.m. The location will remain open past 5 p.m. or until the sand runs out. There is a limit of 10 bags per vehicle.
For Sarasota County, operations will be at offered from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday at:
• Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota
• Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
• South County Fleet Services, 4571 State Road 776/Englewood Road, Venice
The county noted residents are limited to 10 bags per vehicle.
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