Hurricane Milton Threatens Sarasota and Manatee Counties with Landfall Imminent
Hurricane Milton is on track to hit Sarasota and Manatee counties late Wednesday night, with maximum winds of 160 mph. Rainfall may reach up to 18 inches in localized areas, and a dangerous storm surge between 10 to 15 feet is forecasted. Evacuations are underway for Levels A, B, and C, and water services have been cut off to barrier islands until after the storm.
Hurricane Milton is poised to impact Sarasota and Manatee counties later this evening, with significant threats projected for the area. Scheduled to make landfall late Wednesday night, the hurricane currently maintains maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, categorizing it as a Category 5 storm. Expected rainfall in these counties has been revised upwards, with forecasts indicating that local areas may receive between 6 to 12 inches, and isolated regions could experience rainfall up to 18 inches. Additionally, a perilous storm surge between 10 to 15 feet is anticipated, surpassing the surge experienced during Hurricane Helene. Evacuations have been mandated for residents in Levels A, B, and C, along with those residing in mobile homes and RVs. Manatee County and Sarasota County have both initiated evacuation orders, with shelters being established for those displaced. Water services have been suspended for all barrier islands, including Venice, and re-entry will not be permitted until after the hurricane has passed. At 5 a.m., the National Hurricane Center confirmed through their latest update that while vertical wind shear may lead to some weakening of Milton throughout the day, confidence remains high that it will still be classified as a dangerous hurricane upon hitting Florida, with sustained winds possibly decreasing to 130 mph by landfall. Furthermore, the size of the storm is expected to increase, which may lead to broader areas being affected by hurricane-force winds. As a precautionary measure, there will be disruptions to newspaper deliveries in coastal regions due to the initial impacts of the storm; subscribers may receive their Wednesday edition at a later date.
Hurricane Milton poses a significant threat to the Sarasota and Manatee counties, being one of the strongest hurricanes observed in recent times. With wind speeds potentially reaching Category 5 levels before landfall, the risk of devastating rainfall and storm surges is heightened, prompting authorities to take immediate action for evacuations. Understanding the scale of the storm and its projected path assists residents and local governments in preparing adequately to safeguard lives and property in the affected regions.
In summary, Hurricane Milton is a formidable storm expected to make landfall in the Sarasota and Manatee counties later today. With severe rainfall and storm surge projected, evacuations are in effect for numerous residents, and precautions have been put in place, including the suspension of water services to barrier islands. The community is urged to stay informed and adhere to safety directives during this critical time as the hurricane approaches.
Original Source: www.heraldtribune.com