Palm Beach County was forecast as of 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, to have a medium chance of feeling sustained tropical storm-force winds beginning Wednesday into Thursday depending on Hurricane Milton’s trek in the Gulf of Mexico.
A tropical storm watch or warning could be issued. A tropical storm watch means that damaging winds of 39 mph or higher are expected within 48 hours. A warning means that tropical storm-force winds or higher are expected within 36 hours.
For southeast Florida, including Palm Beach County, the National Weather Service in Miami says there is up to a 53% chance of sustained tropical storm-force winds. Fort Lauderdale has a 46% chance of getting sustained tropical storm-force winds with Miami having a 23% chance.
There is a lesser chance of hurricane-force wind reaching southeast Florida with 6% in West Palm Beach, 4% in Fort Lauderdale and 1% in Miami.
What to do during a tropical storm warning in Palm Beach County
Don’t drive through flood waters: It can be difficult to tell how deep water is over a roadway, and cars stall in South Florida during regular king tides or sunny day flooding. Also, it’s easier to drive accidentally into a canal when the roadways are covered in water.
Stay off the roads: Most emergency vehicles are pulled from the roads when winds reach tropical storm-force speeds. That means there may be no rescue vehicles available if a storm is underway. In past storms, schools will pull buses off the road if the winds are sustained at 35 mph or higher.
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Check your supplies: Think of this as a dry-run for a hurricane. Electricity may go out, so make sure supplies are topped off, including batteries for flashlights and your NOAA emergency weather radio. Crews will not go out to fix electrical lines until the winds are lower than tropical storm-force.
Charge batteries: Now is the time to plug in any rechargeable batteries for electronics, phones and tools that may be needed to clean up debris or make repairs after the storm.
Clear debris: Clear landscape and yard debris from street drains to keep roads from flooding.
Bring in light outdoor furniture: Tropical storm-force winds can cause damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects may be blown around, which can cause damage to homes or other outdoor items.
Freeze water: Fox Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross recommends filling Ziploc bags three-quarters full with water and putting them in the freezer. This will keep food cold longer if the electricity goes out and you will have drinking water when it melts.
Think about parking: Park your car in a spot away from trees if you fear one may be knocked down by strong winds. Also, consider whether your street or neighborhood floods easily and find a place to park outside the potential flood areas.
Get gas and cash: Just in case the area is without power for a long time, you may want to fill up your gas tank and get some cash. This is probably unlikely with a tropical storm, but if a large area of the state is affected, it may take longer to get electricity restored.
What can Palm Beach County expect from Hurricane Milton?
The most likely time of arrival of tropical storm force winds for South Florida is Wednesday morning.
There is a potential for damage to porches, awnings and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects could be blown around.
Many large tree limbs may be broken off with few trees uprooted, especially with the continued soaking rains that are forecast to last through Milton’s landfall. Some fences and roadway signs may be blown over.
There is a flood watch in effect for all of South Florida through Thursday morning.
Sustained tropical storm-force winds forecast for parts of Florida including West Palm Beach
Probability of sustained tropical storm-force winds through Thursday night: ● Naples – 74%● West Palm Beach – 53%● Fort Lauderdale – 46%● Miami – 23%● Hendry/Glades (individual points):45-55%● Interior SE Florida (individual points):25-40%
Probability of sustained hurricane force winds through Thursday night:● Naples – 18%● West Palm Beach – 6%● Fort Lauderdale – 4%● Miami – 1%● Hendry/Glades (individual points):5-10%● Interior SE Florida (individual points):Less than 5%
Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to [email protected]. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Hurricane Milton tracker: How to prepare for tropical storm winds
