Potential 'Storm Of Century' To Hit US: Here's Projected Timing For Hurricane Milton Landfall

The second major hurricane to hit the US in as many weeks could be a historic one that some forecasters are saying potentially could be a "once in a century" storm.

A look at the latest projected track and timing of Hurricane Milton.
Photo Credit: *AccuWeather.com*

Joe Lombardi

10/09/2024 12:00 p.m.

Category 4 Milton, located around 180 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, at around noontime Wednesday, Oct. 9, is packed with 145 mile-per-hour winds, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

Winds had earlier peaked at 160 mph when it hit Cat 5 status on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Landfall is projected to be late in the night Wednesday or in the early morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 10 between Tampa and Sarasota.

Tornadoes are also expected at that time.

“This is an unusual and extremely concerning forecast track for a hurricane approaching the west-central Florida coast and the Tampa Bay area,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter, "For many, Milton may be a once-in-a-lifetime hurricane in terms of severity."

Increasing wind shear is expected as Milton approaches the west-central Florida coast.

Potentially deadly 10 to 15 feet of storm surge is predicted for the Tampa area. Some areas of northern Florida could see up to 12 to 18 inches of rainfall.

Earlier report - Potential 'Historic, Once-In-Lifetime' Storm: Milton Rapidly Strengthens To Become Hurricane

This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

Click here to follow Daily Voice North Salem and receive free news updates.