Since forming yesterday as a depression, Milton quickly built into a Tropical storm and recently developed into a hurricane with sustained winds of 80 mph, doubling its speed to 6 mph. The storm remains on track to bash into western Florida as a major hurricane Wednesday morning and then plow a path across the state, punching out into the open waters of the Atlantic on Thursday morning. Much of the state will be under hurricane conditions on Wednesday.

As of 11am EDT Sunday

“Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Milton is forecast to rapidly intensify during the next couple of days and become a hurricane later today and a major hurricane late Monday.”

One notable overnight observation overnight is the tracking arc has shifted slightly southward, leaving St. Augustine closer to the northern edge of its path, where winds will be less intense.

The big risk, however, remains heavy rainfall and localized flooding. Our area could receive as much as a foot of rain.

As for Milton’s winds, while they will be less ferocious than those hitting the west coast, locally we should still expect possible hurricane force winds overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning. NOAA is warning of a great amount of uncertainty to this storm. It may possibly worsen or change direction – be vigilant and prepared.

If you have not yet begun making preparations, start by CLICKING HERE FOR the St. Johns County Preparedness Guide.

And continue monitoring the storm’s progress on the NOAA WEBSITE.