USCG RS

I mean, this thing came out of nowhere. Did any models even have anything like this remotely happening?

Depending on the crane it can take 3-10 days to fully dismantle. Many times they are to be allowed to swivel (ie, left in an unlocked position). Unfortunately that does not normally work for Cat 2/3+ type winds

Unfortunately, this was a known hazard which could not be controlled in the time frame provided before Milton. https://www.fox13news.com/news/st-pete-construction-cranes-could-pose-threat-during-hurricane-milton

Stay safe.

https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=TBW&wwa=tornado warning

It certainly appears to be attempting to clear out the eye yet again.

"Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km)." https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/082359.shtml?

Man, thats a lot of lightning in there. Makes me wonder if we about to go down the rabbit hole again..

It is pretty simple, if you are in the cone of uncertainty and on the shore/in a flood zone, your life is in danger if you stay. If you choose not to evacuate and you are in one of these areas, write your name and social security number on your forearm in sharpie.

@Moderately Unstable Would likely be a good person to answer this

We actually saw this with Hurricane Matthew. Made me ponder if ERC are actually a sign of a healthy and optimally functioning storm. The storm would go through the ERC, expand in size and increase in strength in a rather quick fashion.

I agree completely with this statement.

This, IMO, will be the larger potential issue and needs to be taken much more seriously than it currently is.

Given the resilience we have seen as of late with these storms once they are developed, I would lean towards models showing them either holding or a slower weakening trend over the ones showing intensity dropping off a cliff. Developed storms tend to hold together more often than not. Not to mention that models have the weakening happening in the final hours. Any delay and the intensity holds longer. Another thing to consider is the fact that the interaction which causes the shear will likely greatly expand the storm and the footprint thereof. Rough situation all around.

People who were hit by Helene need to prepare as if they are going to suffer another hit. While odds are lower at this time for that, the risk is too high given the current state of infrastructure for those recently affected by Helene. Everyone from Western and Northern Florida up through the areas affected by Helene need to begin making plans today for what and how they are going to react should their area become one that will be significantly affected. This includes those in areas where the moisture fetch from Milton may affect them. The rain event which affected the Western Carolinas before Helene even came close set the stage for the disaster in the Western Carolinas and Milton may not be all that different. The NHC has already stated the storm may significantly grow in size as it approaches landfall. Others like @purduewx80 have shown how this has a potential to track NW of current landfall projections. This is a potentially catastrophic situation. Again. It must be treated as such unless and/or until it can be definitively ruled out.