Hurricane Milton weakens hours after making landfall

Hurricane Milton became a Category 3 approaching the coast of Florida.
Dangerous storm surge was expected.
The alert remains in place in various areas of the state.

Hurricane Milton, which was a powerful Category 5 hurricane, dropped to Category 3 as it approached the coast of west-central Florida.

According to the most recent bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the center of Milton was at 5:00 pm EDT on Wednesday, October 9, about 60 miles (100 km) west-southwest of Sarasota, Florida.

As well as, about 170 miles (275 km) southwest of Orlando.

The hurricane was moving northeast at 17 mph (28 km/h).

WHEN WILL IT MAKE LAND?

Hurricane Milton, Florida, storm surge, category 3 MundoNOW. — Hurricane Milton weakens AP PHOTO

Milton made landfall Wednesday near and just south of the Tampa Bay region.

The hurricane will then move across the Florida peninsula overnight and emerge off the east coast today, gradually weakening.

Meteorologist John Morales on the verge of tears when talking about Hurricane Milton and climate change

However, Milton remains a significant threat, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and higher gusts.

The NHC has issued storm surge and hurricane warnings for several areas of Florida, including the west coast from Flamingo to Yankeetown.

Plus the east coast from Sebastian Inlet to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for the Bahamas, parts of the Florida coast and the Keys.

A storm surge, which can raise water levels by up to 15 feet in some areas, poses a deadly danger to those in affected coastal areas.

Local authorities urge people to follow evacuation orders and prepare for dangerous conditions.

Current weather conditions

heavy rains, NHC. alert, weather, MundoNOW — Hurricane Milton weakens PHOTO NOAA

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center of the hurricane, and tropical storm-force winds reach up to 255 miles (405 km).

In areas such as the Egmont Canal and the Sunshine Skyway Pier, sustained winds of up to 51 mph (82 km/h) with gusts of 63 mph (102 km/h) have already been reported.

Although Milton is losing strength, it is still expected to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall and cause significant damage, so officials are keeping warnings active.

The population in the affected areas should be alert and prepared for the effects of this storm, according to NHC.