Almost all the models show a weakening before landfall but it could be too little and too late. These same models were under estimating Milton’s current condition but he is doing things that are off the charts in terms of historical storms. The water vapor loop shows the dry air and strong a W to E jet that he is going to encounter while pushing NE. Gotta pray that has the desired effect.

A Tampa hit followed by an I-4 run across the state at even Cat 2 / 3 levels would bring epic levels of damage to a large population. Most inland home owners don’t have panels and are surrounded by large trees. Both Charley and Irma wrecked havoc on southern center of the state (Arcadia / Sebring) for these same reasons. But those ares have very sparse populations in comparison to Orlando