Current Location: 21.7N, 91.8W
Geographic Reference: 125 miles West of Progresso, MX
Movement: East at 10 mph
Max Winds: 155 mph gusting to 185 mph
Current Hurricane Severity Index: 24 out of a possible 50 points (4 size, 20 intensity)
Max Predicted Hurricane Severity Index: 27 out of a possible 50 points (4 size, 23 intensity)
Current Radius of Tropical Storm-Force Winds: 115 miles
Max Predicted Radius of Tropical Storm-Force Winds: 290 miles
Organizational Trend: Increasing Explosively
Forecast Confidence: Average
Estimated Central Pressure: 940 mb

 Key Points

• Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified and is now a Category 4 Hurricane. Milton is forecast to move near or over the northern Yucatan later today into tonight as a Category 5 hurricane. Milton will impact Florida as a major hurricane. Winds are now 155 mph. Additional rapid intensification is expected today. Milton is expected to weaken a little and become a category 3 hurricane, with winds around 120 mph, when it moves toward Florida.
• Hurricane Milton is moving slightly south of due west. This motion is likely to continue today. 
• Hurricane Milton is now forecast to make landfall a little south of the Tampa Bay, Florida, late Wednesday. The track has shifted slightly north of the previous forecast.
• Changes to the eventual track can be expected, it is important not to focus on single model runs or solutions!
• Significant wind and wave impacts are expected.
• As Hurricane Milton is expected to grow in size as it approaches Florida, this will increase the storm surge threat to Florida. Winds will cause widespread and long-lasting power outages as well as moderate to major damage.
• Storm surge damage will increase due to debris from Hurricane Helene.

Captiva Island Information

• The current rain event will continue to push across the state today.
• A Flood Watch is in effect for Lee County until Thursday, October 10, 2024. 
• Rainfall amounts from the storm are expected to be 6-9 inches for Sanibel and Captiva Island on Wednesday.
• Possible storm surge of 5-10 feet are possible on Wednesday as the center nears the coast of Florida to the north. Major coastal flooding and some damage is expected.
• Travel is expected to be impacted!
• 2000 sandbags will  be available to all residents. Sand has been ordered but we do not have an estimated time of arrival.

Lee County Information

• The Emergency Operation Center is prepared to fully activate Monday. 
• No mandatory evacuation orders have been called, but Lee County is poised to call for evacuations Monday.  Residents and visitors do not have to wait for an evacuation order to leave. 
• Lee County has declared a local state of emergency.  
• County offices will close at noon on Monday, Oct. 7, and remain closed through Thursday. 
• Lee County Schools will close Monday, October 7, and remain closed through Thursday. Officials have made the decision to activate some of the schools as storm shelters. The exact locations of storm shelters that will be open to the community will be determined and announced by Lee County Officials.