Milton bears down on Florida

After becoming one of the top 5 strongest hurricane ever recording in the Atlantic basin, Milton has weakened slightly to a category 4 hurricane due to an eyewall replacement cycle. 

In the short term, Milton could intensify again as it starts turning northeast today (Wednesday), Acrisure Re said in a short briefing note. As Milton approaches the west coast of Florida, the storm is likely to weaken slightly before landfall due to increasing shear and dry air. 

However, Milton is still expected to be a powerful hurricane at the time of landfall, likely a category 3 storm. The exact location and intensity at landfall are still uncertain, but areas up and down the western Florida coast should be preparing for a major event. Impacts including strong winds, heavy rain and life-threatening, catastrophic storm surge will be felt near and far from the centre of the storm.

According to the latest data from the National Hurricane Center the storm surge from Milton could be ten feet or higher.

Large parts of the areas of Florida that are expected to be hit by Milton have either been evacuated or are in the process of being evacuated. State officials have warned that inhabitants who stay in the path of the hurricane are in severe danger of being killed.

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