...
By Mandy Taheri
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Former President Donald Trump's Florida Mar-a-Lago estate is outside of Hurricane Milton's probable path, avoiding concerning rainfall and peak storm surges. However, the resort is expected to experience tropical storm-force wind speeds, and a tornado watch is currently in effect.
The storm, which was downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday, is expected to hit the Tampa Bay region head-on, bringing with it devastating storm surge and high winds to some areas still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which hit Florida on September 26 as a Category 4.
Hurricane Milton's Path
...
Read More on News
The National Hurricane Center's (NHC) latest cone forecast from 11 a.m. ET shows Hurricane Milton's probable path cutting through western Florida, crossing the state's center, and heading toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Trump's Mar-a-Lago property, the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach and the Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter are all located in Palm Beach County, and the Trump National Doral Miami is in Miami-Dade County. All of these areas lie south of the NHC's forecast cone for Milton, therefore avoiding the worst of the storm.
Storm Surges
...
Storm surge warnings indicate a "danger of life-threatening inundation" from rising water and encourage residents to evacuate.
The combination of a dangerous storm surge and high tide could raise water between 10 and 15 feet above the ground in the region between Anna Maria Island and Boca Grande, Florida. Other regions, like Tampa Bay, Boca Grande to Bonita Beach, and Charlotte Harbor, are expected to see water swell between 8 and 12 feet.
Mar-a-Lago is not located in a region that is forecast to experience intense storm surges.
Flood Zone
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mar-a-Lago is located between Zone AE and Zone VE, which are flood areas.
FEMA classifies Zone VEs as "coastal areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding and an additional hazard associated with storm waves." Zone AEs are also "high-risk" areas.
FEMA's legend notes that Mar-a-Lago is surrounded by flood zones that could rise between 6 and 12 feet due to any cause, not specifically Milton. The agency reports general flood risk indicators.
...
Tropical Storm Force Winds
While the estate will avoid the brunt of Milton's wrath, a tornado watch is in effect in the county until 9 p.m. ET this evening. According to the National Weather Service in Miami, the latest peak wind forecast suggests winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 45 mph. However, the NWS notes there's a "potential for wind 58 to 73 mph."
The NHC's updated statement, posted at 1 p.m. ET Wednesday, informed residents that "Tropical-storm-force winds are just offshore, and now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy."
...
Mar-a-Lago, a solid rock structure with stucco-covered walls built in 1927, has a history of withstanding major hurricanes. In 2004, the estate faced back-to-back Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne.
The forecast for Palm Beach predicts heavy rainfall through mid-week.
However, the Sarasota offices of Trump Media, the parent company of Truth Social, are located just south of Tampa, directly in the storm's projected path. Trump is the largest shareholder of Trump Media, a publicly traded company primarily operating the Truth Social platform.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines