“Milton may be a historic, once-in-a-lifetime storm for Floridians,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said. “Milton has the potential to become one of Florida’s most damaging and costly hurricanes,” he added, in part due to the extreme storm surge expected around and south of Tampa Bay.
AccuWeather is forecasting a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet from just north of Tampa through fort Myers. The worst storm surge is expected around Sarasota and along Longboat Key, where the surge may approach 20 feet, which is taller than most single-story homes.
“Should an intense Milton track just north of Tampa, storm surges of 20 feet could occur in parts of Tampa Bay, resulting in widespread, catastrophic damage not seen in this part of Tampa Bay in modern history,” Porter added.
Additionally, some areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast are at an increased vulnerability to storm surge after Helene damaged or washed away protective sand dunes and barriers just two weeks ago.
People around Tampa, Florida, who are evacuating ahead of Milton are running out of time to fly out of the area as airports are preparing to shut down. “Tampa International Airport will suspend all commercial and cargo operations beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Milton,” the airport announced on Monday.
“The three other public airports managed by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority – Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive and Plant City Airports – will also close in a similar timeframe.” It is unclear when the airports will reopen.
Storm shelters have already opened across the Tampa area for residents who have to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton. Before traveling to a shelter, experts recommend gathering important documents and any medicine that may be needed. Additionally, people who have pets should contact a shelter to ensure they accept animals before evacuating.
