Flights from Tampa and Orlando are being suspended, and cruise ships rerouted as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies.
The storm, with sustained winds of at least 150 mph (67 m/s), is forecasted to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, prompting swift preventive measures across the region.
The USA's National Hurricane Center has warned of “devastating hurricane-force winds” along Florida’s west coast as Milton approaches the shoreline on Wednesday. Meteorologists are cautioning that Hurricane Milton could become one of the most destructive in the region’s history, potentially surpassing records for west-central Florida.
Tampa's National Weather Service has noted that if Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 system, maintains its current trajectory, it will be the most severe hurricane to impact the area in over a century. In an advisory posted to social media, the agency highlighted the “increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds” that could affect the western coast of the Florida peninsula starting Tuesday night or early Wednesday. The hurricane has seen explosive intensification, with winds surging to 175 mph (78 m/s), according to the latest reports from the National Hurricane Center.
This comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant destruction across southern states less than two weeks ago, claiming at least 225 lives. With recovery efforts still underway, Florida now braces for another potentially catastrophic weather event.
Tampa International Airport closes at 9:00 a.m. today, followed by Orlando International, which will cease operations at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, resulting in widespread flight cancellations. Orlando’s Melbourne airport remains operational, but crews are ramping up storm preparations in anticipation of Milton’s arrival.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has issued a statement confirming heightened storm preparation efforts as the hurricane nears. Meanwhile, the UK’s Foreign Office updated its travel advisory for the U.S., highlighting the escalating risk of severe storm surges and high winds expected along Florida’s west coast. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for potential disruptions and follow all local authority directives, including evacuation orders where applicable.
CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has announced changes to its sailings from Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami, affecting 3 vessels, with adjustments to the itineraries of two others. The company emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains a top priority, and their fleet operations center in Miami is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton to ensure all ships maintain a safe distance from the storm’s path.
Similarly, RCI-Royal Caribbean International is adjusting the itineraries of at least 6 ships to steer clear of Milton’s projected route. The Foreign Office has also issued warnings for hurricane-force winds expected to impact parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, with life-threatening storm surges and high waves anticipated along the northern coastline.
In a separate development, the president of Carnival Cruise Line is organizing a fundraising initiative to support relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene. She plans to participate in a tandem skydive on October 19th, jumping from a World War II-era C-47 aircraft, the same type flown during the Normandy D-Day invasion in 1944, with a goal to raise US$50,000 for the cause.