Charleston Prepares as Tropical Storm Milton Gathers Strength over Gulf Coast

Charleston, S.C. Braces for Tropical Storm Milton

As of Saturday evening, our beloved Charleston is once again watching the skies as Tropical Storm Milton picks up strength over the Gulf Coast of Florida. According to the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center, there are real concerns that this storm could pose life-threatening risks to parts of the west coast of Florida as we move into the upcoming week.

Where Is Milton Now?

At 11 p.m., the center of the storm was located around latitude 22.9 North and longitude 95.1 West, roughly 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida. Milton is currently creeping toward the north-northeast at about 5 mph. But don’t let the slow speed fool you—the storm is expected to change direction in the coming days and pick up pace before it reaches the Florida Peninsula.

Forecast Changes Ahead

Weather experts forecast that Milton’s maximum sustained winds have already reached about 45 mph, with gusts higher than that. This storm is expected to gain strength quickly, becoming a hurricane by Saturday night and possibly advancing to a major hurricane status as it traverses the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Keep in mind that tropical-storm-force winds currently extend up to 35 miles from Milton’s center. The pressure at the eye of the storm is estimated to be around 1005 mb, or 29.68 inches. Given that these systems can be unpredictable, it’s important for residents in the area to stay vigilant and prepared.

Local Impacts and Warnings

Live 5 Meteorologist Dorien Minor highlighted earlier today that while the storm’s track and strength forecasts have remained stable with sustained winds at 45 mph, it’s crucial that we keep a close watch. The forward speed of the storm could very well influence just how close Milton gets to our Lowcountry shores.

Moreover, a front currently over the southeastern U.S. is also expected to push Milton away from our region and through the Florida peninsula. That being said, our area might still experience some gusty winds and an uptick in dangerous surf conditions. A friendly reminder: stay safe and keep away from the beaches if the conditions worsen.

The Journey of Tropical Storm Milton

Interestingly, just a few days ago, we were watching an area of low pressure in the Gulf, which held only a slight chance of developing. However, the situation changed on Friday when a system from the Pacific trekked into Mexico, infusing energy into the Gulf and raising the formation chances significantly—up to a whopping 70%! By Saturday morning, it reached 90%, and here we are, anticipating a stronger storm.

What About Other Weather Systems?

On a related note, Hurricane Kirk is also making headlines. As of 11 p.m. Saturday, Kirk was located about 1,345 miles west-southwest of the Azores, with maximum sustained winds dropping to 115 mph. This storm is moving quickly and is expected to pick up speed over the next few days. Meanwhile, Hurricane Leslie, now a Category 4 hurricane, sits about 855 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands but is also forecasted to weaken soon.

Stay Prepared, Charleston!

As we keep an eye on these storms leading into the peak of hurricane season, remember that it runs through November 30. It’s crucial to stay updated on the latest forecasts and ensure that your emergency preparedness plans are in place. Keep your loved ones close, your supplies stocked, and, as always, stay safe!