INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Weather officials issued a Hurricane watch for the county Monday afternoon as Milton remained a major Category 5 hurricane churning in the Gulf of Mexico. A hurricane watch means hurricane-force winds are possible in the area within the next 48 hours.
The hurricane watch will remain in effect until further notice.
Meteorologists said Hurricane Milton will weaken to a Category 3 storm before it slams Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday evening. The hurricane will bring 25-to-35 mph winds, with gusts up to 55 mph to Indian River County, officials said.
The storm could possibly produce up to 2 feet of storm surge, snap trees, damage roofing and siding materials, destroy mobile homes, and cause up to 6 inches of rainfall. A flood watch for Indian River County remains in effect until Wednesday evening.
Tornadoes could also possibly form, emergency service officials said. Residents should make preparations – which include having food and water for seven days in case of power outages – before the hurricane-force winds arrive.
This story will be updated.
