Hurricane Milton Advisory: Updated Wind and Rainfall Forecast for Florida
Get the latest on Hurricane Milton, including updated wind and rainfall forecasts, shelter availability, and safety measures for Palm Bay residents.
October 9, 2024 - 11:30 AM EDT - Palm Bay, FL
Current Situation
Hurricane Milton has weakened slightly to a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. The hurricane is currently located about 160 miles west-southwest of Fort Myers, Florida, and about 190 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. It is moving northeast at 17 mph and is expected to make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida tonight. The minimum central pressure is 931 mb. Updated forecasts predict sustained winds in Palm Bay of 10-25 mph on Thursday, with gusts reaching between 32 and 49 mph. The heaviest rainfall is expected between 12 AM and 12 PM on Thursday, with totals ranging from 0.01 to 1.77 inches over that period. Tornadic supercells are beginning to sweep across the southern Florida peninsula, adding further hazards.
Projected Path
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida's west-central coast tonight, likely near the Tampa Bay area. After landfall, the storm will continue moving northeastward across the state and is projected to move off the east coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean by Thursday afternoon. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Milton is expected to remain a major hurricane through landfall, with gradual weakening as it moves across the Florida peninsula. The east coast of Florida is also expected to experience tropical storm conditions.
County and City Updates
City Facilities: The City of Palm Bay’s non-essential offices and services, including City Hall, will remain closed through Friday, October 11.
Republic Services: Due to the approach of Hurricane Milton, Republic Services has suspended all collection services for Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10.
Emergency Information Hotline: Information is just a phone call away. Call the City of Palm Bay’s emergency information hotline at (321) 726-5683 to get the latest updates from the City of Palm Bay. You can also sign up for text alerts from Brevard County Emergency Management by texting BREVARDEOC to 888777.
Shelters Open: Brevard County has opened three shelters for residents in manufactured or mobile homes, flood-prone areas, or those needing safe refuge:
South Mainland Community Center, 3700 Allen Ave., Micco, FL 32976
Walter Butler Community Center, 4201 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32927
Wickham Park Community Center, 2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne, FL 32935
Space Coast Area Transit will provide transportation for registered special needs clients. Call 2-1-1 for assistance. Shelters are pet-friendly, and residents should bring their own supplies, including bedding, clothing, medications, and personal hygiene items.
Storm Surge and Flooding: A storm surge warning remains in effect, with expected water levels reaching 10-15 feet above ground level from Anna Maria Island to Boca Grande, including Tampa Bay. Areas from Boca Grande to Bonita Beach and Charlotte Harbor may see surges of 8-12 feet. Tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and storm surge are expected to cause widespread flooding in low-lying areas, and urban and river flooding is likely across much of the affected regions. For more detailed storm surge risks, please refer to the National Weather Service Peak Storm Surge Graphic.
Safety and Preparedness Recommendations
Evacuation Guidance: Currently, there are no mandatory evacuation orders in Brevard County. However, a Storm Surge Warning has been extended to cover more areas, including southward to Sebastian Inlet, Florida, and northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. Residents in Zone A, which includes barrier islands, mobile homes, and flood-prone areas, should stay vigilant and be prepared to relocate due to potential flooding and strong winds. Shelters are open for those who need them. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for the Florida east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach.
Home Preparation: As Hurricane Milton approaches, secure your home before strong winds arrive. Put up hurricane shutters, make sure your emergency supply kit is stocked, and bring in any loose items from your yard. Do not trim trees or bushes at this time—debris can turn into dangerous projectiles. Also, clear storm drains to help prevent flooding.
Gather Essential Supplies: Ensure you have enough food, water, and medication to last at least three days. Don't forget flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts through Alert Brevard by texting BREVARDEOC to 888777. You can also find hurricane preparation guides at City of Palm Bay Hurricane Preparedness. For the latest updates, follow the City of Palm Bay on Facebook or sign up for eNotifications at City of Palm Bay News.
Community Reminder
This is a dangerous situation for Palm Bay and the greater central Florida region. We urge all residents to take precautions now, stay informed, and seek shelter if necessary. The Palm Bayer will continue to provide updates as we track Hurricane Milton's progress.
Stay safe, Palm Bay. We’re in this together.
For more information on Palm Bay news & events, be sure to visit The Palm Bayer.