Latest Updates as Tropical Storm Milton to Impact Travel

This one, dubbed Tropical Storm Milton, has the potential to be extremely impactful, especially since it is forecast to blanket the state of Florida.

Although the storm is not expected to reach landfall until Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, at least two airlines have already issued travel advisories. Right now, the disturbance is only considered a tropical storm but it is expected to evolve into a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm #Milton Advisory 4A: Noaa Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Finds a Stronger Milton. Risk of Life-Threatening Impacts Increasing For Portions of The Florida West Coast. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 6, 2024
Both JetBlue Airways and United Airlines have decided to err on the side of caution.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already issued a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties and cruise lines are also making preparations as well. Royal Caribbean issued a statement that read in parts: “The path could shift over the next few days before Milton makes landfall but the hurricane will hit somewhere along the Gulf Coast by late Tuesday night or early Wednesday.”

Some areas still have piles of debris on their roads from Helene. Milton was described as ‘potentially, dangerous and destructive.’

Besides torrential rainfall and flooding concerns, Milton can bring rough surf, dangerous seas and strong winds that cause power outages and even tornadoes. pic.twitter.com/tH0NuhizC9

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) October 5, 2024
“This is an unusual and extremely concerning forecast track for a hurricane approaching the Tampa Bay area,” warned AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter. “Milton could rapidly intensify into a major hurricane with extreme impacts. This hurricane could create a life-threatening storm surge. Please make sure your family and in friends in this area are prepared.”

Travelers should continue to monitor their respective airlines and cruise lines.