Milton’s local ‘knockout’ punch approaches

Area officials, weary from nearly three consecutive weeks of storm preparation and recovery efforts, did not mince words Tuesday as Hurricane Milton set its sights on Tampa Bay.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. update, Milton will make landfall near Bradenton at around 1 a.m. Thursday as a strong Category 3 storm with 125 mph sustained winds. Pinellas County officials said those along the coast could still see an “unsurvivable” nine to 13-foot storm surge.

Cathie Perkins, emergency management director, called Hurricane Debby’s torrential rains a “slap in the face” at a Wednesday morning emergency briefing. She said residents who were then “punched by Hurricane Helene” would now receive a “knockout” blow from Milton.

“You’re not just talking about the threat of drowning,” Perkins added. “We’re talking about buildings – homes being wiped off their foundations.”

A graphic showing storm surge impacts on homes in various evacuation zones. Image: Pinellas County.

Perkins pleaded with residents in flood zones to flee. That window will rapidly close, as the Florida Department of Transportation closed all four area bridges at noon.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has repeatedly warned that he may close every ingress and egress point in Pinellas. Perkins noted that Milton would affect those who live in sturdy buildings outside evacuation zones.

Perkins said residents may lose cellular service, and those who do reach 911 operators may not receive help due to roads becoming impassable. Rescue personnel could not immediately respond to over 1,500 calls during Helene.

Forecasts project the area receiving between five inches and a foot of rain. Perkins said some neighborhoods could see 18 inches.

Perkins expects Milton’s storm surge to push into creeks and lakes, which prevents rainfall from draining. “If you decide not to leave now, you’re going to be stuck at home – or what’s left of your home – for days,” she said.

St. Petersburg

Mayor Ken Welch held a subsequent emergency briefing at noon. He urged residents to finish preparing for an “extremely dangerous threat.”

Welch also noted that evacuation windows will soon close. Officials expect St. Petersburg to see between eight and 12 feet of storm surge and winds reaching 100 mph.

Welch stressed that residents should prepare for water, sewer and electric services to remain offline “for an extended period” in the storm’s aftermath. “We are expecting extensive damage to our infrastructure,” he said.

However, contrary to online rumors, the city does not plan to cut drinking water services. Officials may shutter wastewater facilities according to storm surge forecasts or damages. Ensuring onsite staff’s safety will also factor into that decision.

Welch said potential water, power and transportation disruptions necessitate maintaining a disaster supply kit with a week’s worth of essentials. “This is the reality of a direct hit from a powerful hurricane in our area.”

“This is not a storm we will recover from quickly,” Welch added. “We have a long road ahead of us, but we will recover. And we will rebuild together.”

Amber Boulding (podium), emergency management director, addresses city officials inside the emergency operations center. Photo: City of St. Petersburg.

Milton’s track

Amber Boulding, emergency management director for the city, said St. Petersburg would begin to experience significant impacts late Wednesday afternoon. Milton’s outer bands brought downpours and 37 mph winds by 1 p.m.

Boulding expects hurricane-force winds topping 80 mph to arrive around midnight. “It will be a rough night,” she said.

The storm’s heaviest rains will occur north of its eye. That area now includes St. Petersburg, and Boulding said higher elevations could experience flash flooding.

While the area south of Milton’s eye will see a catastrophic storm surge, Boulding said the city’s rain and wind forecasts have increased. The storm’s final track “means so much for the area, for St. Pete,” she added.

“I hear the sighs of relief when we see those small jogs south,” Boulding said. “Don’t let your guard down – we are expecting direct impacts. While miles matter, we remain a short distance from the projected path of the eye of the storm.”

Perkins said the storm’s projected track could easily wobble back northward toward Pinellas. She noted that local windspeed predictions are “neck and neck” with areas to the south.

“Do not put your faith in a wobble,” Perkins urged. “Everyone in Tampa Bay should consider that we are going to be ground zero.”