SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen and its pressure drops to 897 MB. This makes Milton the fifth lowest hurricane in history in the Atlantic basin. Milton remains an extreme Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of up to 180 mph (1 minute average) and gusts of up to 220 mph. We could see further strengthening over the next 12 hours as it moves east over very warm water.

Most predicted tracks consolidate landfall near Tampa Bay, but there is still a chance it continues north toward Cedar Key around the Big Bend area of ​​Florida. There is also a chance it could dip a little further south near Charlotte Harbor, but that probability is decreasing. The intensity forecast assumes the hurricane will be a strong Category 3 hurricane wherever it makes landfall. There is still a chance since it is so big that it could even be a cat. 4 on impact.

The time of landing is pushed back slightly. We should begin feeling weak tropical storm force winds around midday on Wednesday, and then those winds will increase through the afternoon and into the evening. The strongest impacts from Milton are expected to occur Wednesday evening into early Thursday morning.

The most dangerous aspect of this storm will again be a storm surge like we saw with Helene, however we will also experience a strong wind influence from this storm, unlike Helene. These winds will whip up the seas and we will see much larger surf. This dangerous surf will ride on the storm surge and act as a battering ram on structures along the barrier islands and even near the bay. A storm surge of 10 to 15 feet is forecast due to stronger Milton. It will lose some of its power as it approaches Florida, but not much. It will still be a strong Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 125 mph and gusts of up to 250 mph near and near the center of the storm.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the entire Suncoast, including all inland counties and up to Highlands County.

A storm surge warning is in effect for Sarasota and Manatee counties, and not just for the coast. It includes areas far inland along the rivers and streams connected to the Bay and Gulf. The National Hurricane Center's Storm Surge Center estimates that 10 to 15 feet of storm surge flooding could occur. The time window of concern extends from Wednesday afternoon to early Thursday morning. Rainfall amounts could be 5 to 10 inches, with up to 15 inches in isolated areas.

Winds will begin to pick up Wednesday afternoon and increase in speed throughout the rest of the day into the early morning hours.

The National Hurricane Center reports Milton has maximum sustained winds of 180 miles per hour. This is the same as the 5 p.m. update. Printing has dropped from 897MB to 905MB. The drop in pressure usually accompanies an increase in winds, so we could see those winds getting even stronger. We do not expect such winds here as Milton will experience strong shear as it moves northeast.

Remember, you will only be asked to evacuate if authorities believe salt water or the Gulf could reach your location. You will also be asked to evacuate if you live in a manufactured home anywhere in either county.

Take this storm seriously, it is something no one in this area has experienced before.

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