11am EDT Forecast: Strengthening Tropical Storm Milton

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Milton is strengthening rapidly. 
Satellite image 9:45am CDT

The central pressure is officially down to 991 with 65 mph winds. The cloud pattern is much more impressive than earlier. The main part of Milton is in the (red) circle of clouds at left. There are good meteorological reasons to believe Milton will begin to rapidly intensify this afternoon and tonight.

NHC's forecast has been adjusted a bit to the south with winds forecast to reach 125 mph. 

While it will be smaller geographically than Helene's, the storm surge will be a major threat. 

Preparation Suggestions:

  • Make sure you have adequate food and water for at least a week after the storm. Fill your generator if you have one, with fuel.
  • Fuel your car. Same with your chainsaw if you have one. Trees will fall.
  • Refill prescriptions. 
  • Make sure you know the sea level elevation of your home. If you don't know, use the "compass" app on your iPhone. Put it on the floor of a room of your home and it will tell you how high your home is. This will be important when storm surge warnings are issued. 
  • Get plenty of cash from the ATM. Cash registers, fuel pumps, etc., do not work with power after the storm. 
  • Make certain elderly and infirm friends and relatives are cared for. 

I will more on the storm this afternoon. 

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