Hurricane Milton Nears Central Florida, Spares Mar-a-Lago from Severe Impact

Hurricane Milton, which rapidly intensifies into a Category 5 storm, is advancing towards central Florida, eliciting significant concern from officials about its potential destructiveness. John Cangialosi, a specialist at the National Hurricane Center, stated in a Tuesday update that Hurricane Milton holds the potential to become one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida. Damaging winds, life-threatening storm surges, and heavy rainfall are expected to affect areas beyond the immediate forecast cone.

The hurricane is anticipated to make landfall before weakening as it moves through the state’s center. There are extremely dangerous conditions predicted, including storm surges reaching up to 10 feet in certain locations.

However, the renowned Mar-a-Lago estate owned by former President Donald Trump is expected to avoid the hurricane’s most severe effects. According to the latest forecasts, the Palm Beach area, where Mar-a-Lago is located, is under a Tropical Storm Warning but is likely to be spared from devastating conditions as the storm traverses Florida. Winds of tropical storm strength and potentially a storm surge up to three feet are predicted for the area.

Despite initially being classified as a Category 4 hurricane, Hurricane Milton’s force is expected to diminish as it progresses. It remains, however, a formidable threat, with storm surges and high winds anticipated in regions recovering from a recent hurricane. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast path for Milton indicates a trajectory through western Florida, crossing centrally and proceeding towards the Atlantic.

Mar-a-Lago, along with Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach and Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, will remain outside the forecast’s most severe path. Nonetheless, Trump National Doral Miami sits in Miami-Dade County, within the broader forecast region. While these areas are expected to encounter heavy rain and increased wind speeds, they will likely avoid the most extreme conditions.

Rescue and evacuation efforts are urged due to potential storm surges that could elevate water levels to 15 feet between Anna Maria Island and Boca Grande in Florida. Other areas such as Tampa Bay and Boca Grande to Bonita Beach anticipate water levels rising by 8 to 12 feet.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has positioned Mar-a-Lago between flood Zone AE and Zone VE, identifying possible inundation risks unrelated to Hurricane Milton specifically. While stationed as a solid rock structure capable of enduring major storms, the Mar-a-Lago estate is under a current tornado watch.

The National Weather Service anticipates heavy rainfall throughout mid-week, with expected wind gusts reaching 45 mph, and possibly as high as 73 mph in the impacted areas. Residents have been advised to secure safety measures and remain indoors, keeping communication devices and emergency kits readily available.