Current Location: 25.5N, 84.4W
Geographic Reference: 165 miles SW of Venice, FL
Movement: Northeast at 17 mph
Max Winds: 150 mph gusting to 180 mph
Current Hurricane Severity Index: 28 out of a possible 50 points (9 size, 19 intensity)
Max Predicted Hurricane Severity Index: 28 out of a possible 50 points (9 size, 19 intensity)
Current Radius of Tropical Storm-Force Winds: 165 miles
Max Predicted Radius of Tropical Storm-Force Winds: 300 miles
Organizational Trend: Decreasing
Forecast Confidence: Average
Estimated Central Pressure: 925 mb

 Key Points

• Hurricane Milton is a Category 4 hurricane but is weakening due to increasing wind shear and an eyewall replacement cycle. We expect Milton to weaken as it approaches Florida. However, Milton will likely still be a Category 3 hurricane when it makes landfall. Milton will impact Florida as a major hurricane. 
• Hurricane Milton is accelerating to the northeast. This motion should continue until landfall. Our forecast brings Milton onshore between the Tampa Bay and the Charlotte Harbor tonight or tomorrow morning. After landfall, a turn more to the ENE is expected, which will take Milton across Florida and into the Atlantic, passing north of the Bahamas. Changes to the eventual track can be expected, it is important not to focus on single model runs or solutions!
• Hurricane Milton’s wind field is also expected to expand as it approaches Florida. The official forecast shows the hurricane and tropical storm-force winds roughly doubling in size by the time it makes landfall. Gusts to hurricane force are expected over the east coast of Florida. Winds will cause widespread and long-lasting power outages as well as moderate to major damage. Minor wind damage and widespread power outages are expected for the east coast of Florida.
• Widespread tidal surge damage is expected near and to the south of where landfall occurs along the west coast of Florida. As Milton grows in size before landfall this will increase the tidal surge threat. Coastal flooding may also occur to the north of the track along the Atlantic coast of Florida.

Captiva Island Information

• A Flood Watch is in effect for Lee County until Thursday, October 10, 2024. 
• Rainfall amounts from the storm are expected to be 4-8 inches for Sanibel and Captiva Island on Wednesday and into Thursday morning.
• Possible storm surge has increased to 10-13 feet . Storm surge is possible on Wednesday as the center nears the coast of Florida to the north. Major coastal flooding and some damage is expected.
• Residents and visitors should evacuate Captiva Island immediately! 
• Captiva Island Fire Control District will evacuate today, Wednesday, October 9, as winds increase. Fire personnel will station off island overnight until winds and surge reduce to a safe level. Once that happens personnel will work to access the island and start search and rescue efforts.
• Residents and visitors that own a Lithium-Ion electric vehicles including cars, golf carts, etc. are encouraged to complete an information form on the website. This will allow fire personnel to approach the location with caution and also react accordingly if there is a fire. Please complete the form here.

Lee County Information

• The Emergency Operation Center fully activated as Level 1 on Monday. 
• Lee County has issued MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS for Zones A & B beginning noon on Monday.  Residents should leave before Tuesday evening and find a safe place to stay. 
• All Lee County tolls have been suspended.
• Curfews for Lee County are for Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach. The curfew started last night at 10 pm. 
• Lee County has declared a local state of emergency.  
• County offices are now closed and will remain closed through Thursday. 
• Lee County Schools are now closed and will remain closed through Friday. 
• Shelter locations opened Monday at 3:00 pm and will remain open until further notice. Those locations can be found here. 
• Garbage pick-up has suspended operations through the end of the week.
• Lee County Utilities will shut off water to Fort Myers Beach at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8. This is a precautionary measure to protect infrastructure.  All other Lee County Utilities operations continue as normal.