2PM Advisory for #Milton is in!

– Sustained Winds are now 130mph
– Ongoing Tornado Warnings
– Storm Surge Threat Increasing – SW Florida
– No changes to tropical/hurricane watches & warnings for South Florida pic.twitter.com/2UuTbfWLTq

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 9, 2024

The danger escalated further by 2:40 p.m. (EST) as the NWS reported that the large convective band of Hurricane Milton continued rotating through South Florida. “We have 4 active Tornado Warnings ongoing,” they posted. “We have issued 39 Tornado Warnings today as of 2:45 p.m.” This tally underscored the relentless severity of the storm.

At 3 p.m. (EST), the NWS provided an overview of all tornado warnings issued by NWS offices in Tampa Bay, Miami, and Melbourne. As of that time, 53 total tornado warnings had been issued throughout the day, 41 of them by NWS Miami alone. “Please remain aware for current and future tornado warnings!” the agency emphasized.

 

10/9 at 3pm: Here is a view of all of the *Tornado Warnings* issued by NWS Tampa Bay, NWS Miami, and NWS Melbourne thus far.

As of 3pm, 53 total tornado warnings have been issued today…

41 issued by NWS Miami

Please remain aware for current and future tornado warnings! https://t.co/j3fr86cifC pic.twitter.com/Zc3WjqD7D6

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 9, 2024

Just minutes later, at 3:05 p.m. (EST), reports of structural damage in Lakeport, FL, emerged as the most recent tornado-warned storm moved through. This marked the seventh confirmed tornado of the day, and the second to hit Lakeport.

By 3:46 p.m. (EST), the NWS clarified expected storm surges, warning of 5–8 feet from Bonita Beach to Chokoloskee, and 3–5 feet from Chokoloskee to Flamingo.

 

? Expected Storm Surge Values ?

Clarification:
5-8 feet of Bonita Beach to Chokoloskee
3-5 feet from Chokoloskee to Flamingo https://t.co/Pah4VjumRX

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 9, 2024

As the storm progressed, the situation continued to worsen, with reports of street flooding arriving by 4:20 p.m. (EST) in southwestern coastal communities. The NWS warned, “Given #Milton’s fast forward speed, the increase in water levels may be sudden. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH SALTWATER!”

 

Starting to receive several reports of street flooding across coastal communities in southwestern Florida.

Given #Milton‘s fast forward speed, the increase in water levels may be sudden.

DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH SALTWATER! pic.twitter.com/V4lWnU9GrD

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 9, 2024

At 4:48 p.m. (EST), the NWS provided a critical visual update, “Visual on the ongoing Tornado near Wellington! SEEK SHELTER IF YOU ARE IN A TORNADO WARNING!” This alerted residents in the area to take immediate action to protect themselves.

Just minutes later, at 4:55 p.m. (EST), they posted another urgent message, “ONGOING TORNADO heading toward populated areas (Loxahatchee Groves and the Acreage).”

 

ONGOING TORNADO heading toward populated areas (Loxahatchee Groves and the Acreage)

SEEK SHELTER NOW! https://t.co/hS9GOuBwlH

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 9, 2024

By 5:15 p.m. (EST), the storm surge threat had worsened. The NWS posted, “Surge continues to rise rapidly at the North Naples Bay Tide Gauge! Communities are starting to flood across coastal Collier, Seek higher ground now!”

This was followed by another warning at 5:13 p.m. (EST), with reports of rough Gulf waters and rapidly rising storm surge levels. “PLEASE stay away from the Naples Pier and all beaches along the Gulf coast,” they urged.

 

513PM: Gulf waters are rough with storm surge rising FAST. PLEASE stay away from the Naples Pier and all beaches along the Gulf coast. ⚠️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/7XXI3zvgfK

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 9, 2024

At 5:24 p.m. (EST), the NWS added more information, “LARGE MULTI-VORTEX TORNADO REMAINS ON THE GROUND NOW MOVING INTO MARTIN COUNTY.”

Just three minutes later, at 5:27 p.m. (EST), they wrote, “DAMAGING LARGE TORNADO HAS NOW MOVED OUT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY.”

Around the same time, the National Hurricane Center provided its own key message, warning of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds expected on the west Florida Peninsula.

By 6:00 p.m. (EST), NWS Miami announced that 55 tornado warnings had been issued by them alone, with a total of 98 warnings issued across Tampa Bay, Melbourne, and Miami. At least nine confirmed tornadoes had hit the Miami area as of this time, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the storm’s impact on South Florida.

 

10/9 – As of 6pm:
55 Tornado Warnings issued today solely by NWS Miami.
98 Tornado Warnings issued today by NWS Tampa Bay, NWS Melbourne, and NWS Miami today.
At least 9 Confirmed Tornadoes today in our NWS Miami area (Preliminary). https://t.co/G1s6jWa944 pic.twitter.com/un02o7OzrI

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 9, 2024

Their following post around the same time further confirmed the ongoing storm surge. They warned, “? Storm Surge Ongoing ? Water levels continue to rapidly increase across southwestern Florida as #Milton’s surge moves in.”

Residents are urged to continue monitoring the latest updates from trusted sources and seek safety immediately. Stay informed, stay safe, and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family during this extreme weather event.

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