Current Location: 21.7N, 90.5W
Geographic Reference: 65 miles NW of Progresso, MX
Movement: East at 10 mph
Max Winds: 175 mph gusting to 225 mph
Current Hurricane Severity Index: 31 out of a possible 50 points (6 size, 25 intensity)
Max Predicted Hurricane Severity Index: 34 out of a possible 50 points (9 size, 25 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: 912 mb

 Key Points

• Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified and is now a Category 5 Hurricane. Milton will impact Florida as a major hurricane. Hurricane Milton is forecast to move near or over the northern Yucatan as a Category 5 hurricane. Hurricane Milton is still rapidly intensifying. The rapid intensification is expected to continue over the next day. Milton is continuing to move jut south of east and will move close to or over the northern portions of the Yucatan Peninsula within the next 6 to 12 hours.
• After 24 hours, Milton will begin to encounter some greater wind shear, causing it to weaken. More rapid weakening will occur if the center of the system moves over the Yucatan Peninsula. Continued weakening is expected as Milton approaches Florida. However, models are indicating lesser wind shear, which could result in a slightly stronger storm at landfall.  
• Hurricane Milton is forecast to be a Category 4 hurricane when it makes landfall.
• Landfall is projected to be in the southern portion of Tampa Bay by late Wednesday into Thursday morning.
• 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 2-5 inches for Sanibel and Captiva Island on Tuesday and into 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!
• Lee County Emergency Management has provided Captiva Island Fire Control District with sand and sandbags for residents of Captiva Island. This is at no cost. For more information, click here.

Lee County Information

• The Emergency Operation Center is prepared to fully activate 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 will be announced later today.
• 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 Thursday. 
• Shelter locations will open Monday at 3:00 pm and those locations can be found here. 
• Garbage pick-up will conclude today and suspend operations through the end of the week.
• Lee County Utilities will shut off water to Fort Myers Beach at noon Tuesday, Oct. 8. This is a precautionary measure to protect infrastructure.  All other Lee County Utilities operations continue as normal.