As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Indian River County is under a hurricane warning, while St. Lucie and Martin counties are under a tropical storm warning. The storm, a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour, is projected to make landfall around Tampa late Wednesday or early Thursday.
What to Expect on the Treasure Coast
The Treasure Coast will likely see tropical storm-force wind gusts as early as Wednesday afternoon, with up to 6 inches of rain expected. Meteorologists predict wind gusts between 58-73 mph in the area, with northernmost regions getting the highest velocity. Residents have experienced rain in recent days and can expect thunderstorms throughout Tuesday, though these are not directly related to Hurricane Milton.
A flood watch is already in place, and rip currents are a significant concern along the Atlantic coast. Residents need to avoid the beaches due to dangerous currents until further notice from municipalities.
Should You Put Up Hurricane Shutters?
The National Weather Service advises Treasure Coast residents to install hurricane shutters by Tuesday if they haven’t already. Winds on the Treasure Coast main seem low but could reach Category 1 strength, and preparation is critical. Keep in mind that putting up shutters is an important part of preparing property should you need to make an insurance claim after the hurricane passes.
Stay Informed & Prepared
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, including those on the Treasure Coast. This declaration gives local authorities the ability to respond quickly to the storm’s impacts.
- Track the storm: The National Hurricane Center updates the storm’s track and intensity every six hours. You can also check live storm trackers (we like Spaghetti Models, aka Mike’s Weather Page) and beach cams for real-time conditions.
- Prepare your home: prepare your property by securing loose items and shutter-up before winds and rain begin.
- School and business closures: Many schools and businesses across the Treasure Coast are monitoring the storm and may close. Keep an eye out for local updates.
Hurricane Milton Day 1-3 Rainfall Forecast
Shelters and Resources
Some shelters on the Treasure Coast have begun opening as of 2 PM. U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage for those preparing for the storm, and there are also locations for pets and those with special needs. Make sure to check whether you need to evacuate based on flood zones or local advisories.
- Martin County Shelters
- Martin County Hurricane Resources
- St. Lucie County Shelters
- St. Lucie County Hurricane Resources
- Indian River County Shelters & Emergency Info
- Indian River County Hurricane Resources
Be Prepared & Stay Safe
As Hurricane Milton continues its course, Treasure Coast residents must stay informed, follow local updates, and prepare for the possibility of strong winds and flooding. Proactive steps now can make a big difference, and we want all of our friends and neighbors safe from this storm!
