Windy Conditions Across South Florida as Hurricane Milton Passes
MIAMI – As South Florida residents brace for continued windy conditions, Hurricane Milton is making its way off the eastern coast of the state. The storm made landfall near Siesta Key, close to Sarasota, on Wednesday night with sustained winds reaching a formidable 120 mph. As of Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. advisory reported that Milton had weakened slightly, with maximum sustained winds now at 80 mph, located approximately 135 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral. Milton is currently moving northeast at a speed of 20 mph, and the forecast indicates that it will move away from Florida while heading north of the Bahamas on Thursday.
Weather Warnings and Wind Advisory
Meteorologist KC Sherman from NEXT Weather has issued a wind advisory for eastern Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Residents can expect wind gusts up to 40 mph, a lingering effect of Milton as it departs and drier air begins to fill the region. Fortunately, the tropical storm warning that affected the Florida Keys and the area from the Palm Beach-Broward County line southward was lifted early Thursday morning. However, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Florida’s east coast extending from Sebastian Inlet to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, as conditions continue to be closely monitored.
Travel Turmoil: Airport Delays and Cancellations
The impact of Hurricane Milton has trickled down to air travel, creating significant disruptions at major South Florida airports. Reports indicate flight cancellations and delays due to the storm’s influence. At Miami International Airport, as of Thursday morning, 148 flights had been canceled and 77 others were delayed. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport reported 58 canceled flights and 47 delays.
The ripple effect of Milton’s wrath extended beyond Florida, with nearly 2,000 flights canceled nationwide. Among the hardest-hit was Tampa International Airport, which closed entirely, leading to over 380 flight cancellations.
Tornado Activity Across South Florida
Compounding the tumultuous weather, Hurricane Milton also spawned multiple tornadoes across South Florida on Wednesday. One notable tornado touched down along Alligator Alley in western Broward County, although no damage has been reported. Another tornado occurred in the Wellington area of Palm Beach County, causing some structural damage to homes and resulting in downed trees.
Tragically, tornadoes turned deadly near Fort Pierce, where they struck a mobile home park, resulting in casualties. As the storm churned, South Florida was under a tornado watch until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, with several tornado warnings issued across Broward County. Statewide, there were significant reports, with 42 tornadoes documented and 95 tornado warnings activated throughout the day.
Looking Ahead: Improved Weather Conditions
As residents of South Florida look forward to respite from the severe weather, CBS News Miami chief meteorologist Ivan Cabrera has assured that conditions will improve significantly by late Thursday. He notes that after a challenging weather period, a tranquil pattern is expected to settle in for the weekend and into the following week.
On Friday, while there remains a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a 20% probability during the day and night, overall conditions should show marked improvement. Winds from the north will be prevalent, clocking in at around 14 mph during the day with gusts reaching up to 23 mph. Nighttime conditions will see lighter winds between 10 and 13 mph, with gusts up to 22 mph. High temperatures are projected to be near 86°F, with lows around 75°F, providing the community with a much-needed break from the tumultuous weather brought on by Hurricane Milton.
Stay updated with reliable weather channels and local news reports for continued developments regarding Hurricane Milton and travel advisories, ensuring safety in the aftermath of the storm.