Hurricane Milton Update: Category 5 Storm with 175 mph Winds Threatens Florida - Palm Bay on Alert
Palm Bay, FL (October 7, 2024 - 5:30 PM EDT):Â Hurricane Milton has undergone explosive intensification, becoming a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane with devastating maximum sustained winds of 175 mph. While the storm's primary target appears to be the Tampa Bay area, Palm Bay and the entire central Florida region remain under serious threat as Milton is forecast to track eastward across the state after landfall.
As you can see, the latest models indicate that while the center of Hurricane Milton is most likely to pass near Tampa Bay, Palm Bay is still within the cone of uncertainty and could experience significant impacts.
The timeline suggests that Palm Bay will likely experience the effects of the storm beginning Wednesday afternoon, with the potential for strong winds and heavy rainfall continuing through Thursday.
NHC and NWS Updates:
Category 5 Hurricane: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirms that Milton has reached Category 5 status with 175 mph winds, making it an exceptionally dangerous storm.
Potential Weakening Before Landfall:Â While currently a Category 5, the NHC predicts that Milton may weaken slightly due to wind shear before making landfall, potentially as a Category 3 or low-end Category 4 hurricane.
Life-Threatening Impacts:Â Despite potential weakening, the NHC has issued Hurricane Warnings and Storm Surge Warnings for portions of the Gulf Coast, with life-threatening storm surge inundation possible.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding:Â The National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne is emphasizing the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding across central Florida, including Palm Bay.
City of Palm Bay and Brevard County Actions:
State of Emergency:Â Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, including Brevard County.
Voluntary Evacuations: Brevard County has issued voluntary evacuations for residents in Zone A, including those in mobile homes and on barrier islands.
School Closures:Â Brevard Public Schools and city offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.
Sandbag Distribution:Â Brevard County continues to offer sandbags at various locations.
Shelters Open:Â Brevard County has opened shelters at Merritt Island High School, Astronaut High School, and the Walter Butler Community Center (special needs shelter).
Waste Management Suspension:Â Waste Management has suspended all trash and recycling collection services for Wednesday and Thursday.
What Palm Bay Residents Should Do Now:
Monitor Updates:Â Stay informed about the storm's progress by monitoring the NHC (www.nhc.noaa.gov), NWS Melbourne, and the City of Palm Bay (www.palmbayflorida.org).
Consider Evacuation:Â Even though the storm's center may not directly hit Palm Bay, residents in vulnerable areas should strongly consider evacuating. Know your evacuation zone and have a plan in place.
Secure Your Home:Â Bring in outdoor objects, board up windows, and take all necessary precautions to protect your property from strong winds and potential flooding.
Gather Essential Supplies:Â Ensure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, and other essential items.
This remains a dangerous situation. The Palm Bayer will continue to provide updates and vital information to help Palm Bay residents stay safe during Hurricane Milton.