Polk County opened sandbag sites Sunday in preparation for Tropical Storm Milton, which is expected to intensify into a major hurricane before impacting Florida’s West Coast on Wednesday.
The latest track in the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. update moved the path slightly south. Until that point, it was forecast to make landfall near St. Pete Beach, track east-northeast directly through north-central Polk County, and exit the state near Cape Canaveral. In the 11 a.m. update, the track moved slightly south, making landfall south of Tampa Bay at the barrier islands near Bradenton and Sarasota, and tracking across central or south Polk County.
Heavy rain is expected on Sunday and Monday, well ahead of Milton, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 8 a.m. Tropical Weather Discussion. Even more rain related to the system is expected as the week begins, bringing the potential for flooding.
Forecasters say Milton is expected to be a hurricane small in size, but there is still uncertainty about its intensity and track. The storm could hit Florida as a major hurricane or weaken from a number of factors.
“The intensity forecast has a lot of complexities. First, Milton is a small cyclone, and such systems can both strengthen and weaken very rapidly. Second, while the cyclone is going to be in a favorable environment through about 60 (hours), it will encounter strong shear and dry air entrainment after that time,” forecasters said in their NHC Milton 5 a.m. Discussion.
“Regardless of the details, there is increasing confidence that a powerful hurricane with life-threatening hazards will be affecting portions of the Florida west coast around the middle of this week. Residents there should closely monitor this system and listen to local officials,” forecasters reported.
Polk County was one of 35 states included in a state of emergency declared by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday. And the county is under a flood watch that started Sunday at 6 a.m. and continues through 8 a.m. Thursday.
Accuweather called for winds of 50 to 75 mph in Lakeland on Wednesday.
As of the National Hurricane Center’s 8 a.m. update, Tropical Storm Milton was 310 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico; about 835 miles west-southwest of Tampa. It had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving northwest at 6 mph.
Polk County Public Schools watching carefully
Polk County Public Schools that, as of Sunday morning, there were no changes planned to the school schedule.
“However, our staff will continue to monitor the weather and work with Polk County Emergency Management personnel to be prepared in case of any impacts to our area,” the district said on its website. “Even if Polk is not directly affected, there is always a possibility that our schools will need to serve as shelters for evacuees from other areas.”
The district said a decision to close schools involves two key factors:
Sheltering Needs: “Many schools serve as hurricane shelters for our residents and nearby coastal communities. In addition, we also operate shelters for those with special needs and even have some sites that provide shelter for pets. If Polk County is not directly impacted by a storm, our schools may still serve as shelters. As a result, schools may need to close ahead of a storm to allow our partner agencies time to staff sites, deliver equipment, and transport those who need medical support.”
UPDATE: SPECIAL NEED Shelters will be for the ones who signed up
Transportation: “School buses can only operate when sustained winds are below 35 mph. Schools will be closed if sustained winds exceed this threshold.”
The district tells parents and staff to continue following its website and social media accounts for updates.
“In the event we have to close schools or alter our operations, we will send automated calls and emails to all PCPS families. Please make sure your school has your correct contact information on file for SchoolMessenger communications.”