GREENSBORO, N.C. — As of 2 pm Sunday, Milton has rapidly intensified into a hurricane while moving east/northeast across the Gulf of Mexico. It is forecast to be a major hurricane (Category 3 or 4) when it reaches the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by mid week. There's an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of FL as early as Tuesday night into Wednesday. Storm surge as well as Hurricane Watches could be issued later on tonight for the region.
While there is still uncertainty in the track, here is the latest on how Milton could impact the Triad and North Carolina as a whole.
How could Milton impact NC?
GOOD NEWS: The majority of models keep Milton well to the south even as it cross through the west coast of the Florida Peninsula. This is due to high pressure (clockwise rotation) building into the southeastern US through the end of next week. Winds will push Milton to our south and keep it progressing off the coast and away from the United States in the latest track. While this is subject to change slightly, it likely won't deviate much from the current path.
Impacts on Triad & western NC
While there is still uncertainty in the track of Hurricane Milton, it is unlikely that western and central portions of North Carolina will receive impacts from the storm. Milton will stay much too far to our south for the majority of our state to feel any impacts. We will stay mostly dry through the next 7 days.
Coastal NC
Hurricane Milton's track will take it offshore of the southeastern U.S., but it is possible the Carolina beaches could get some wind and a little rain from outer bands of the storm. However, the greater threat would be erosion from heavy surf and dangerous rip currents through next weekend.
Here's a current map of projected rainfall from Milton. A very small amount of rain could reach southeastern NC with rainfall amounts up to a tenth of an inch or so.
It is also possible that some gusty winds could reach the NC coastline, but the majority of winds (especially tropical storm or hurricane force) will stay to our south as Milton passes through Florida.
In the wake of Helene and the unnamed storm a few weeks ago, there are several parts of NC in need of time to rebuild and regrow. Fortunately, Milton will most likely not be a threat to much of NC at all. At best, the coastline could see a few isolated showers and winds from outermost bands. If the current track changes, please trust that your WFMY News 2 Weather Team will keep you updated with the latest information. Stay tuned.
