Hurricane Milton Is Growing Right Before Making Landfall

10/09/2024 08:49 PM

Hurricane Milton is making a move right before making landfall in the United States.

The Category 3 storm, which is projected to be the worst storm to hit the Tampa, Florida area in 100 years, is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida later on Wednesday evening. The Category 3 storm could have wind speeds of more than 130 mph and storm surges of more than 10 feet tall. Much of the south and western part of Florida have been told to evacuate ahead of the storm. We're just a little more than a week removed from Hurricane Helene, which caused more than 200 deaths and billions of dollars worth of damage. 

Now, Hurricane Milton is apparently growing right before making landfall.

According to weather reports, Hurricane Milton is actually growing in size as it approaches the United States.

"Milton is now a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph peak winds. Despite decrease in winds, it is growing in size. Landfall between Tampa Bay and Sarasota expected before midnight. Tornado outbreak ongoing in eastern Fla," Capital Weather Gang reported on Wednesday night.

While many have evacuated, there are still some who are choosing to ride out the storm. That might not be wise.

"I can tell you right now that they may have done that in other [hurricanes]; there's never been one like this. And Helene was a wake-up call. This is literally catastrophic," Tampa mayor Jane Castor told CNN. 

"And I can say without any dramatization whatsoever, if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas you are going to die."

Stay safe, everyone.