According to Palm Beach Daily News, as of the 8 a.m. on October 9 update, Hurricane Milton remains a powerful Category 4 storm, now on a fast-moving path toward Florida’s west coast. Forecasters expect the storm to make landfall early Thursday between Port Charlotte and Tarpon Springs.
Impact on Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County is under a tropical storm warning, with winds exceeding 39 mph anticipated by late Wednesday. The most significant effects will likely arrive after sunset and continue through Thursday. While a flood watch for Palm Beach has been lifted, neighboring counties Hendry, Glades, and Collier remain on alert. A tornado watch has also been issued, extending through 9 p.m. for Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.
Milton’s Current Strength and Path
With sustained winds of 155 mph, Hurricane Milton is moving northeast at 16 mph. As it approaches Florida, wind shear and dry air may slightly weaken the storm. However, Milton is still projected to hit as a Category 4 hurricane, with winds up to 130 mph. Its hurricane-force winds currently extend 30 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds reach 125 miles, with these distances expected to increase as the storm moves inland. This broad reach could affect areas as far as Orlando, which could see winds of up to 100 mph.
Storm Surge and Flooding Threats
Although Tampa Bay has seen reduced storm surge projections (now 8 to 12 feet), the Sarasota to Boca Grande region faces a severe surge of up to 15 feet. The Fort Myers Beach area could experience 12 feet of storm surge, while the Big Bend region may face up to 13 feet. These levels remain catastrophic, even with some slight reductions.
Evacuation and Shelter Information
Evacuations have been ordered in 25 counties across Florida, including Palm Beach County, where residents in flood-prone areas and mobile homes were asked to leave. The county has opened five general shelters, a special needs shelter, and a pet-friendly option for those needing to evacuate.
Tampa Bay's Uncertain Fate
The storm’s final approach remains uncertain, particularly for Tampa Bay. A minor 15-mile “wobble” in Milton’s track could mean the difference between catastrophic storm surge damage and more manageable flooding. Forecasters warn that this region will remain in a critical state of uncertainty until just hours before landfall.
Looking Ahead
With its destructive potential, Hurricane Milton is likely to be remembered as one of the most significant storms to impact Florida’s west coast. Palm Beach County residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow all local emergency orders as conditions could change rapidly.
Stay safe, stay informed, and be prepared.
Source: palmbeachdailynews.com
