Flights from Tampa and Orlando airports are being suspended and cruise ships diverted ahead of rapidly intensifying Hurricane Milton packing winds of at least 150 mph to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The US National Hurricane Centre said it expected “devastating hurricane-force winds” along Florida’s west coast as it approaches the coastline on Wednesday.
“Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida,” National Hurricane forecasters noted in a Monday evening forecast.
If the Category 5 hurricane stays on the current track, it will be the worst to impact the Tampa area in more than 100 years, the US National Weather Service warned.
Posting on X/Twitter, the service said: “There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of the Florida peninsula beginning Tuesday night or early Wednesday.
“Storm surge and hurricane watches are now in effect for portions of the west coats and residents in that area should follow any advice given by local officials and evaluate if told to do so.
“Areas of heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida well ahead of Milton. This rainfall will being the risk of considerable flash, urban and area flooding, along with the potential for moderate to major river flooding.”
It came as the US National Hurricane Centre warned that Milton “explosively intensifies” with 175 mph winds.
Florida and a series of southern states are still reeling after Hurricane Helene claimed at least 225 lives less than two weeks ago.
Tampa airport is shutting down from 9am local time today (Tuesday) followed by Orlando International at 8am on Wednesday affecting dozens of flights. Orlando’s Melbourne airport said it was still open and operational.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority said: “Crews are increasing their activity with storm preparations as Hurricane Milton barrels toward central Florida.”
The Foreign Office today updated its travel advice to the US ahead of Hurricane Milton’s forecast landfall on the west coast of Florida from tonight (local time).
“There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and high winds on the west coast and heavy rainfall and high winds are expected to impact large parts of Florida,” the alert said.
Travellers are being urged to check with airlines or travel agents about possible disruption to flights or airport services and follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders.
Carnival Cruise Line issued an alert about cruises from Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami affecting three ships while itinerary changes are planned for two others.
The line said: “Our fleet operations centre in Miami is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton, which has developed in the Gulf of Mexico.
“The safety of our guests and crew is our priority and our ships will always maintain a safe distance from the storm.”
Royal Caribbean International is also altering itineraries of at least six ships to avoid the hurricane.
The Foreign Office issued a warning about damaging hurricane-force winds expected across portions of the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula due to Milton.
“A life-threatening storm surge with damaging waves is also likely along portions of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula,” the travel alert added.
Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line president aims to raise $50,000 to benefit Hurricane Helene relief efforts by taking tandem skydive on October 19.
She is due to jump from a World War II veteran C-47 aircraft flown during the Normandy D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.