Milton hurricane tracker: Storm 'explodes' into Category 5 as experts warn Florida could face 'once-in-a-lifetime' storm

A storm surge is the abnormal rise in seawater pushed onto the coast by the strong winds of a hurricane. This surge can lead to severe flooding and destruction and is often one of the deadliest aspects of a hurricane.

Storm surge and hurricane warnings are currently in effect for parts of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.

Forecasters warn that Hurricane Milton's tidal wave could reach heights of up to 23 feet in some areas along Florida's Gulf Coast, potentially flooding homes and infrastructure and causing catastrophic damage.

“Small variations in Milton's trajectory could have a significant impact on impacts experienced in different parts of Florida,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said.

“For example, in a scenario that now seems more likely, an intense Milton train north of Tampa could produce storm surges of 23 feet in portions of Tampa Bay, resulting in widespread, catastrophic damage occurring in that portion of Tampa.” Bay “were not observed in modern history,” he said.

The damage from the flood and wind could worsen in the areas flooded by Helene, the meteorologist warned, as much of the debris was still in place and would be picked up by the floodwaters and turned into projectiles by the wind. Some structures weakened or partially damaged by flooding from Helene will be more vulnerable to flooding from Milton.

Hurricane Milton strengthened within hours to Category 5, the highest level on the scale, and many wondered whether it could reach the hypothetical Category 6.

Currently, the upper limit of the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale is Category 5, which includes all storms with sustained winds of 157 miles per hour or greater. Milton is already in that category, with winds of 180 miles per hour.

Although Category 6 does not officially exist, some experts argue that the scale may need to be revised as storms intensify.

In a recent study, climate scientists Michael Wehner and Jim Kossin suggested that storms with wind speeds above 180 mph (300 km/h), recorded in only five storms since 1980, could warrant a new category.

Although the National Hurricane Center has not suggested adding a Category 6, researchers say it's time to rethink how hurricanes are categorized, especially as oceans warm, such as in the Gulf of Mexico, and storms become extremely heated .

About his study, Dr. Wehner at the time said the goal was to “rethink how the openness of the Saffir-Simpson scale can lead to an underestimation of risk and, in particular, how that underestimation becomes increasingly problematic as the world warms.”

“Even under the relatively low global warming targets of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to just 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures by the end of this century, the increased likelihood of Category 6 storms in these simulations significantly,” he said.

Hurricane Milton could have “a worst-case scenario impact on the Tampa Bay area,” AccuWeather warned.

“You don’t want to wait until a storm surge occurs before taking action,” Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said.

“During Hurricanes Helene and Ian, we experienced so many preventable tragedies. Please leave the areas at risk of this devastating storm surge while you still can.”

“We are very concerned that Hurricane Milton could become one of the most devastating and costly storms Florida has ever experienced.”

It's critical to have a plan and emergency supplies in place before Hurricane Milton hits, and heeding evacuation warnings could be a life-saving decision, emergency officials said Monday.

According to Jaime Hernandez, the director of emergency management in Hollywood, Florida, people should do three important things: make a plan, have an emergency kit and stay informed.

“If they have issued an evacuation order, I ask you, I implore you, to evacuate.”

Hurricane Milton, which became a Category 5 hurricane within hours on Monday, is expected to remain “extremely dangerous” as it makes landfall in Florida on Wednesday.

“Although fluctuations in intensity are expected, Milton is expected to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane if it makes landfall in Florida,” the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a statement.

Florida authorities provide free Uber rides to and from storm shelters for all individuals within counties subject to an evacuation order.

The state's Division of Emergency Management said Monday evening that people who meet those criteria can now activate the offer by adding the “MILTONRELIEF” action in the Uber app.

The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department wrote on Facebook Monday that access to the barrier islands, including Clearwater Beach, was limited to residents, business owners, employees working on the beach, rideshare drivers and workers moving debris.

All entrances will be closed at the same time on Tuesday.

“Take the next 24 hours to make your preparations. If you live in an evacuation zone, you must evacuate,” the department said.