Current Location: 26.2N, 84.1W
Geographic Reference: 120 miles SW of Sarasota, FL
Movement: Northeast at 17 mph
Max Winds: 140 mph gusting to 165 mph
Organizational Trend: Decreasing Rapidly
Forecast Confidence: Average
Estimated Central Pressure: 935 mb

 Key Points

• Hurricane Milton is still a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph . Milton is weakening due to increasing wind shear and an eyewall replacement cycle. Milton will likely be a Category 3 hurricane when it makes landfall.  Milton will impact Florida as a major hurricane. 
• Hurricane Milton has wobbled a bit to the NNE over the past 3 hours. However, we expect the northeasterly motion will resume shortly.  Our forecast is for landfall to occur tonight between Venice and the Tampa Bay. At landfall, winds are likely to be in the 105 mph to 115 mph range.Changes to the eventual track can be expected, it is important not to focus on single model runs or solutions!
• Gusts to tropical storm force are occurring over the west coast of Florida. Hurricane force winds are not likely to arrive until tonight, as the eye approaches the coast. A tornado outbreak is underway within the rainbands to the east of the center. Numerous confirmed tornadoes have already been reported over the southern part of Florida. Many additional tornadoes are expected today into tonight.
• Gusts to hurricane force winds 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.