Milton Becomes Category 3 Hurricane as It Approaches Florida
Columbia, S.C. – Hurricane Milton has been classified as a Category 3 hurricane, packing sustained winds of 120 MPH. As the storm moves closer to Florida this evening, it is expected to gradually weaken. However, Milton will still maintain a significant strength at landfall, with winds projected to be around 115 MPH when it reaches the Florida coast.
Current Status and Impact Forecast
The National Weather Service has issued warnings due to the size of Hurricane Milton, which suggests that Tropical Storm force winds could be felt as far north as the South Carolina and Georgia borders. In coastal areas, wind gusts may reach up to 45 MPH. Additionally, a Storm Surge Watch has been enacted for parts of the coastline, forecasting storm surges between 1 to 3 feet. This puts regions like Hilton Head and Charleston at risk for coastal flooding.
Although South Carolina’s Midlands are expected to experience minimal impacts from Milton, the storm’s approach is causing an increase in cloud cover throughout the day. Wind gusts will become more pronounced overnight and into Thursday as Milton continues its path toward landfall.
Timeline of Events
As the day progresses, Milton is expected to make contact with the Florida coastline, likely overnight. Meteorologists predict the peak wind gusts will occur between Thursday morning and Thursday evening in the Southern Midlands, where gusts could range from 20 to 30 MPH. The region is advised to prepare for possible changes in conditions.
Preparation and Safety Measures
Conclusions and Suggestions
As preparations are underway, residents are encouraged to maintain a state of readiness, staying connected to local weather updates and adhering to safety recommendations.
With changing conditions expected in the coming days, it is imperative to remain vigilant and informed. For those in potentially affected areas, ensuring safety should be the highest priority as Hurricane Milton approaches.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
