Central and Southern Florida — Hurricane Milton is expected to intensify throughout Wednesday, putting millions at risk of tornadoes, according to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). The storm is projected to impact cities across central and southern Florida, including Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Melbourne, where over 3 million residents face an enhanced risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms.
The SPC has warned that several tornadoes, including those rated EF 2 or higher, could form as Hurricane Milton progresses across the Florida Peninsula, particularly in the central and southern regions and the Florida Keys. The center cautioned that “a strong tornado or two could occur during the mid to late afternoon.”
Also Read: How Milton Became One of the Fastest Intensifying Atlantic Storms
Surrounding the enhanced risk area, a slight risk (Level 2 of 5) extends from southern to central Florida, affecting more than 10 million residents in cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. The primary threat in these regions remains the potential for tornadoes.
In comparison, Hurricane Helene previously produced over 30 tornadoes in the Southeast, but forecasts suggest that Milton’s tornado threat will be largely confined to Florida.
Florida Colleges and Universities Close Amid Hurricane Preparations
As Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast, numerous colleges and universities in Florida are closing their campuses to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Here’s a list of institutions that have announced closures:
- University of Florida: Classes and office operations will be suspended from Wednesday through Thursday, with plans to reopen on Friday morning.
- University of South Florida: All campuses will remain closed through at least Thursday, with asynchronous classes anticipated for Friday.
- Florida International University: All campuses will close through Thursday, canceling classes and events; an update regarding operations on Friday will be provided.
- Florida Atlantic University: Operations and classes, including online formats, are suspended through Thursday.
- University of Miami: Remote classes will be held through Thursday; in-person meetings and events are canceled.
- Florida A&M University: Classes and operations across campuses in Jacksonville, Brooksville, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami-Davie are suspended until Friday, resuming normal operations on Saturday.
- Palm Beach State College: The college will close on Wednesday and Thursday, canceling all classes and events.
- Nova Southeastern University: Campuses in Fort Myers, Tampa Bay, and Orlando will remain closed through Friday, with operations resuming Saturday.
- University of Central Florida: All classes and campus operations are suspended through Friday, with normal operations set to resume on Saturday.
- Broward College: Closed Wednesday and Thursday, with a potential reopening on Friday.
- Miami Dade College: Classes and operations will pause through Thursday, resuming on Friday.
As Hurricane Milton continues its path toward Florida, experts emphasize the importance of preparing for not just wind damage, but also storm surges and inland flooding, which can pose significant risks even if the storm is downgraded.
