The National Hurricane Center has revised its forecast for Hurricane Milton, indicating an earlier potential landfall time as the storm's track has shifted southward. The storm is now projected to make landfall as early as 11 p.m., within the next 12 hours, in the vicinity of Sarasota or just to the south.
This southward shift in the projected landfall point is significant, with the hurricane now expected to hit land 10 miles further south than this morning and 16 miles southward compared to Tuesday morning. This adjustment means that Milton has a shorter distance to traverse over the Gulf of Mexico before reaching the coast, leading to the earlier estimated time of landfall.
The updated forecast also raises concerns about the potential intensity of the storm upon landfall. With only 12 hours remaining over water, Hurricane Milton is likely to maintain its strength and make landfall as a major hurricane tonight, possibly reaching Category 3 or 4 status.
