Monday, November 4, 2024

Milton strengthens to Cat 5, minor effects anticipated for NC

From National Weather Service in Wilmington: “Track uncertainties remain: A more northern track closer to the coast would bring stronger winds, steady rain, and higher waves. A more southern track would bring weaker winds, no rain, and lower peak wave heights.” (Courtesy NWS)

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — After rapidly intensifying from a Category 1 hurricane to a 5 in only 24 hours, Milton is predicted to land on the west coast of Florida by Wednesday this week. Some aftereffects may be felt locally Thursday.

READ MORE: With $10M in storm damage, CB earmarks $800K for stormwater pump repairs, debris cleanup  

“A more northern track closer to the coast would bring stronger winds, steady rain, and higher waves,” National Weather Service in Wilmington noted in a Monday update. “A more southern track would bring weaker winds, no rain, and lower peak wave heights.”

Hurricane Milton’s winds currently are 175 miles per hour as it spirals through the Gulf of Mexico, where waters of 85 degrees have added fuel to its endurance. Hurricane watches are in effect from Florida’s Steinhachee to Everglade City; forecasters predict it could be a direct hit to the densely populated Tampa area.

The hurricane is expected to decrease to a Category 4 before landfall. A 12-foot storm surge and up to a foot of rain can be expected in the Florida area.

“This is the real deal here with Milton,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said at a news conference. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”

However, with a cold front moving through North Carolina, as of now Milton is anticipated to have minimal effect on the Tar Heel State — particularly good news for the western portion still reeling from the catastrophic damage caused by Helene almost two weeks ago.

Hurricane Helene came ashore in Florida’s Big Bend before moving north through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia and killing roughly 230 people counted so far. Recovery efforts are still underway in the mountainous regions, which experienced severe landslides and towns being completely washed away.

The Florida governor ordered all debris from Helene be cleared before Milton comes ashore as to avoid projectiles. He also issued evacuation orders in Tampa Bay, which hasn’t seen a direct hit from a hurricane in a century.

Milton is projected to cross Florida and move into the Atlantic Ocean. Its outer bands could reach some southeastern North Carolina coastal towns.

This comes as Brunswick County and Carolina Beach took a beating from the unnamed potential tropical cyclone eight almost a month ago. It brought more than 20 inches of unexpected rainfall in 12 hours, also washing away and collapsing roads and flooding homes, leaving people stranded while trying to travel home from work or school.

Milton may bring some rain to the local region, but according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington it will result in high surf, rip currents, and beach erosion. By Thursday, waves could reach 6 to 10 feet in height, with marine conditions dangerous for swimming. Gusty winds may be felt and there will be minor coastal flooding.

NWS continues to monitor its track.


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Shea Carver
Shea Carver
Shea Carver is the editor in chief at Port City Daily. A UNCW alumna, Shea worked in the print media business in Wilmington for 22 years before joining the PCD team in October 2020. She specializes in arts coverage — music, film, literature, theatre — the dining scene, and can often be tapped on where to go, what to do and who to see in Wilmington. When she isn’t hanging with her pup, Shadow Wolf, tending the garden or spinning vinyl, she’s attending concerts and live theater.

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