The Category Three Hurricane Milton has caused significant damage in Florida, earning it the title of the ‘storm of the century’. The storm made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, with sustained winds of 120mph and a risk of storm surges and extreme flooding. Over two million residents in its path have been placed under flood warnings.
The impact of Hurricane Milton has led to disruptions in travel plans for UK tourists, with airlines like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and TUI cancelling flights to Florida. As a precaution, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has urged British nationals in Florida to follow local authority advice and monitor the storm’s progress on the US National Hurricane Centre website.
While the Met Office acknowledged that remnants of Hurricane Milton could influence UK weather next week if they reach the Atlantic, it is considered highly unlikely to reach the UK. The storm is forecasted to weaken and transition into a tropical storm as it moves across the Atlantic, eventually becoming an extratropical storm after passing south of Bermuda.
Forecasters have described Hurricane Milton as a dangerous and destructive hurricane, with powerful sustained winds and a significant storm surge affecting coastal areas. The Met Office predicts that the remnants of the storm will likely dissipate in the subtropical Atlantic or be absorbed into a frontal zone, minimizing the direct impact on UK weather.
As Hurricane Milton continues on its path, authorities are closely monitoring its progress and advising caution to those in its vicinity. The UK remains prepared for any potential impacts while focusing on ensuring the safety of its citizens both at home and abroad.