Key West Lou / HURRICANE MILTON

So many important things affecting the U.S. today. Each having a special importance unto itself.

I have decided that this day Hurricane Milton is the most important to our country. Ergo, my comments limited to Milton.

Projected already to be THE worst storm ever, or second worst storm, to hit the U.S.

The facts.

Still well out into the Gulf. Not expected to make landfall till early wednesday morning. Tampa projected as the bad luck area.

Milton turned from a Category 1 to a Category 5 yesterday in a period of hours. So unusual, it caused meteorologist John Morales to break down on TV while reporting Milton. He was visibly emotional as he reported. His words after advising how Milton had gone from a Category 1 to 5: “Incredible, incredible. Dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours.” Then his tears followed by an apology: “I apologize. This is just horrific.”

Milton is expected to drop to a category 3 or 4 as it hits Tampa. Still a major storm. Then Milton will cross Florida and exit somewhere around Orlando or Daytona Beach into the Atlantic Ocean. Still at a 3-4. Will drop to a Category 2 when in the Atlantic.

Less than 2 weeks ago, it was Helene that was the worst hurricane ever. No more. Milton replacing Helene. At a time when Helene’s cleanup is still at a minimal stage. Certain parts of Florida will be hard hit a second time. Oh, the woe coming!

An article in USA Today yesterday discussed Milton becoming a Category 6. The only problem, there is no Category 6. At least, not yet. The discussion at this stage hypothetical.

Key West and the Keys fortunate again. We have had heavy rains the past few days. Some of the storms with the rain coming down sideways. Sometimes as much as a 45 degree angle. Milton affects even though tons of miles off land and not yet having even reached a point opposite Key West.

There must be a heavy wind, though I have not heard it. Yet the streets and yards are replete in many Key West areas with downed leaves and palm tree branches.

Meteorologists advise the worst Key West will experience is a tropical storm. Late today probably. if at all. Flooding could be 2-3 feet.

Cape Coral is under emergency evacuation. Corey’s parents drove to Corey and Lisa’s home yesterday from Cape Coral. Spoke with Cheryl Yeast yesterday. She now lives in Cape Coral. She was leaving for Miami where she had already made hotel reservations.

It has been suggested Key West winds will reach 45 mph. Gusts will increase that number. Meteorologists have stated Key West winds could reach a “tropical stormforce.”

Scary difficult days ahead for those north of us. A prayer or two in order.

Today, a big one for me. I have a dental appointment at 3. I supposedly will leave the dentist’s office with a full set of teeth. Nine months and 65 pounds later!

I don’t care how heavy the rain or how badly the winds are blowing, I will keep the appointment. The teeth are an emotional thing for me.

Those who can, enjoy your day! Those who cannot, evacuate or get to a safe place if you lack the fear you should be experiencing. No time for bravado.

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