WASHINGTON — On Saturday afternoon, Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico as a Tropical Storm. It is expected to rapidly intensify over the next several days before impacting the Gulf Coast of Florida by mid-week. Click here for National Hurricane Center guidance.
Local Impact:
The DMV will not see any direct impacts from Tropical Storm Milton. If we get anything it will be light rain from the outer bands of the storm.
Threats:
The west coast of Florida will see dangerous a storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding.
Forecast Timing:
Sunday (10/6): Milton will remain a slow-moving tropical storm. Impacts will include heavy rain and strong winds for the Gulf Coast of Mexico including places like Tampico, Soto De Marina, and San Fernando. South Texas will also see rain from the outer bands of Milton.
Monday (10/7): Milton is expected to strengthen into a Category One hurricane and begin to pick up speed as it moves east/northeast across the Gulf of Mexico. Steady rainfall and strong winds will stretch down to the Yucatan Peninsula with weaker outer rain bands beginning to reach the Florida Gulf Coast.
Tuesday (10/8): Expect rapid intensification from Milton throughout the day on Tuesday. Milton could become a major Category Three hurricane by Tuesday afternoon. This means sustained winds will be between 111 mph and 129 mph with gusts even stronger than that. Hurricane-strength winds and heavy rainfall will continue to impact the Yucatan Peninsula and will begin to impact Cuba.
Wednesday (10/9): Milton is forecast to make landfall as a major Category Three hurricane on Wednesday afternoon in the Tampa, Florida area. It will pass over the Florida Peninsula on Wednesday and will quickly weaken.
Thursday (10/10): Milton will emerge back into the Atlantic and will die out.
