Milton crossing the gulf; storm expected here Wednesday

Hurricane Milton became a Category 5 as it crossed the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida Monday. At 1:30 p.m., maximum sustained winds of 175 mph were recorded. The National Hurricane Center termed Milton’s intensification “explosive.”

Most recent updates showed Milton centered about 105 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico – and about 700 miles southwest of Tampa – moving in a northeasterly direction at approximately 9 miles per hour. It is expected to make landfall, likely as a Category 3, sometime early Wednesday evening.

Many potential meteorological track models have the storm making landfall at, or slightly south of, Tampa Bay.

According to the NHC, there is a risk of life-threating storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast beginning early Wednesday. The storm surge could be as much as eight to 12 feet, double the impact of Hurricane Helene in late September.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Pinellas zones A, B and C, along with all mobile homes. Find zone locations here.

Cathie Perkins, the county’s emergency management director, said Monday afternoon that the storm’s sustained winds of 120 mph means that all mobile homes are vulnerable.

A hurricane watch was in effect Monday for the Gulf Coast of Florida, from the Suwannee River to the Dry Tortugas. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are expected, with localized totals up to 15 inches.

Bridges to Pinellas County barrier islands will be closed at 7 p.m. today to all but business owners, employees and residents.

Emergency shelters opened today:

Largo High School (general population and pet friendly), 410 Missouri Ave. N., Largo

Gibbs High School (general population and pet friendly), 850 34th St. S. St. Petersburg

Palm Harbor University High School (general population and pet friendly),1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor University High School Bldg. 19 (special needs), 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor

Dunedin Highland Middle School (special needs), 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin

Oak Grove Middle School (special needs), 1370 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater

St. Petersburg-based Duke Energy Florida has mobilized approximately 10,000 responders in preparation for Hurricane Milton causing over 1 million power outages. The company noted that the storm’s forecasted track encompasses the “most populated areas of our service territory.”

Duke officials warn customers to “make immediate preparations for extended power outage durations.”