The Met Office has provided an update on the potential impact of Hurricane Milton on the UK. Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall in Florida yesterday, causing widespread evacuations in the Tampa Bay area. The hurricane, dubbed the ‘storm of the century’, brought maximum sustained winds of 120mph, leading to warnings of dangerous storm surges and severe flooding risks.
Authorities in the US have issued extreme flood alerts for over two million people in the path of Hurricane Milton, disrupting travel plans for UK holidaymakers. Airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and TUI have cancelled flights to Florida, with several airports in the state suspending commercial services. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) advised British nationals in or travelling to Florida to stay informed about the hurricane’s progress and follow guidance from local authorities.
While the remnants of Hurricane Milton may influence UK weather next week if they reach the Atlantic, the Met Office believes it is unlikely to directly impact the UK. Forecasters described Milton as a dangerous and destructive hurricane upon landfall, with coastal areas facing strong winds and a significant storm surge. As the hurricane moves further into the Atlantic, it is expected to weaken and transition into an extratropical storm.
The Met Office anticipates that Milton’s remnants will either dissipate in the subtropical Atlantic or be absorbed into a frontal zone. Nevertheless, UK authorities are monitoring the situation closely and urge British nationals in Florida to adhere to travel advice from local authorities. While the potential impact on the UK remains low, the Met Office continues to track Hurricane Milton’s progression as it moves away from the US coast.