Storm Alert – October 6, 2024 – Hurricane Milton

Just as markets were beginning to calm down in the wake of Hurricane Helene, a new threat is looming. Hurricane Milton, a tropical disturbance that had a 30% chance of forming just days ago, is now fully formed. Milton is expected to impact central Florida as a major hurricane.

Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm near Tampa, FL. If the storm does hit Tampa directly, it would be the strongest storm to hit the city in over 100 years. Markets are bracing for impact, especially since a significant portion of Florida’s fueling infrastructure is in Tampa. Florida does not have pipelines connected to major refineries; instead, refineries ship fuel by barge to major ports around the state. Tampa is a major hub of activity, with several terminals and a refined products pipeline that ends in Orlando.

Milton is currently moving at a slow 5 mph across the Gulf, though it will pick up speed as it approaches the Florida peninsula. From Miami to Tampa, rainfalls of 4-8 inches or more are possible, with 10 inches of rain forecast in the central parts of the state. Wind speeds of 120-135 mph are also expected.

Mansfield is actively working to supply customers ahead of the storm. Although markets have improved significantly since Helene passed, markets such as Tampa and Orlando were already constrained before Milton’s path was announced. Out of precaution, Mansfield is moving all Florida markets to Code Red, requesting 72-hour notice for new deliveries. Mansfield is also moving southern Georgia, including Macon, Bainbridge and Albany, to Code Orange, requesting 48-hour notices.