Visit Central Florida

Spaghetti models: What are they?

A closer look at Hurricane Milton’s category and spaghetti model
A map showing a spaghetti model of Hurricane Milton's projected path over Florida.
Hurricane Ian spaghetti model | Image via Cyclocane
With the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian just around the corner, we’re taking a look some hurricane lingo — particularly, what a spaghetti model is and what the categories really mean.

According to the National Weather Service, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is what’s used to measure how intense a hurricane may be. The scale bases everything on a scale of 1-5 and estimates the catastrophe potential.

Category 1
Expect wind speeds of 74-95 mph, minor damage like removal of roof decking or snapped trees, and possible loss of electricity.
Example: Hurricane Sandy

Category 2
Expect wind speeds of 96-110 mph, extensive damage like uprooted trees, broken windows, and loss of power for days or weeks.
Example: Hurricane Frances

Category 3
Expect wind speeds of 111-129 mph, devastating damage like broken doors and windows, and week or month-long power outages.
Example: Hurricane Wilma

Category 4
Expect wind speeds of 130-156 mph and catastrophic damage like uprooted trees, week or month-long power outages, and damage to even well-built homes.
Example: Hurricane Harvey

Category 5
Expect wind speeds of over 157 mph and unimaginable damage like destroyed homes, fallen trees, and week or month-long power outages.
Example: Hurricane Andrew

Hurricane Spaghetti Models show where tropical systems may go, but do not show where the impacts will occur. When they’re clustered together, forecasters have high confidence they’ll follow a specific “plot-line.”

Hurricane Ian is expected to hit Cuba at a Category 4 on Tues., Sept. 27, and while its path and intensity can shift, current predictions indicate it could hit Florida’s west coast still at a Category 4.

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Today
  • SEU Voice Faculty Recital | Tues., Sept. 27 | 7:30-9 p.m. | All Saints Episcopal Church, 202 S. Massachusetts Ave. | Free | Listen to faculty members from Southeastern University’s School of Music perform in this fall concert.
Wednesday
Thursday
  • At Home Fun: Broadway Murder Mysteries | Thurs., Sept. 29 | Times vary | Virtual | $22.50+ | Channel your inner detective and solve a fictional crime with your family or friends from the comfort of home. 🔍
  • Watson Clinic Virtual Hiring Event | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free | RSVP now for this virtual hiring event for Licensed Practical Nurses and Medical Assistants.
Friday
  • Proper Wednesday @ The Yard on Mass | Fri., Sept. 30 | 7 p.m. | The Yard on Mass | Free | Head to The Yard on Mass for live music from Proper Wednesday and local brews on tap. 🍻
Plan Ahead
  • Silver Moon Drive-In & Swap Shop | Sat., Oct. 1-Sun., Oct. 2 | 5 a.m.-12 p.m. | Silver Moon Drive-In, 4100 New Tampa Hwy. | Price of purchase | Shop produce, antiques, and more at this flea market — vendor spots are $10 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday.
  • First Friday: Cookie Carnival | Fri., Oct. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Sample cookies from Lakeland bakers, view classic cars, and shop from local vendors in the Makers Market at this month’s First Friday. 🍪
  • From Beverly Bakery birthday pop-up | Sat., Oct. 8 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Curated Collective, 401 Florida Ave. S. | Price of purchase | Celebrate one year of From Beverly Bakery with special off-menu flavors and mimosas while you peruse vintage finds at The Curated Collective. 🎂
  • Virtual Program: In Conversation with Judith Sobol | Thurs., Oct. 13 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Hear from Polk Museum of Art’s Dr. Alex Rich and Judith Sobol, the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundations.
With Hurricane Ian on the move, please note events are subject to be postponed or canceled. Be sure to check in with event hosts and businesses via social media to be aware of any cancelations or event updates.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
100+ MORE EVENTS

Water skiing’s event of the century is ~3 weeks away 🌊
LAL-Visit Central Florida water skiing event-9.27.22.jpg
Winter Haven is known as the Water Ski Capital of the World — so it only makes sense that it’s where water skiing is celebrating its 100th anniversary. | Photo provided by Visit Central Florida
Get ready, Lakeland — this event is sure to make some waves. Join water skiing’s centennial celebration by watching the pros compete at the IWWF World Water Ski Tournament, the crowning event of the 100th Anniversary of Water Ski.

The tournament is happening Oct. 21-23 at Lake Silver, and features teams + individuals from around the world performing one hour spectator-friendly shows that combine entertainment with world class athletics.

Bonus: Admission is free (with VIP options).*
WE'LL SKI YOU THERE

Weather
  • 81º | Thunderstorm | 70% chance of rain
Number
  • $864,000. That’s how much the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) is dedicating towards safety, cleanliness, and beautification in 2023. According to LDDA President Julie Townsend, a full-time downtown clean and safe manager and multiple part-time downtown ambassadors will be tasked with helping residents, reporting issues, and more next year. (The Ledger)
  • 19,500. That’s how many sandbags Polk County distributed as of Sunday. Residents can receive up to 10 sandbags per household. Lakelanders can collect bags at 8970 N. Campbell Rd. or one of these seven sites daily from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. as long as weather permits. 🎒 (The Ledger)
Edu
  • Polk County Public Schools are closed today and tomorrow, Wed., Sept. 28 to prepare schools to serve as hurricane shelters if needed. Additionally, all after-school programs, games, and practices have been canceled.
Arts
  • Florida Southern College has postponed its upcoming Unchained Melodies performance in anticipation of Hurricane Ian. While a rescheduled date is yet to be announced, you can plan to see the Child of the Sun Faculty Artist Series, featuring opera, jazz, and Broadway hits, at a later date. 🎤
Cause
  • The Polk County Public Schools HEARTH Project, which stands for Homeless Education Advocates Restoring The Hope, needs donations for the nearly 2,400 Polk students experiencing homelessness this year. Learn more about donating funds, crock pots, gift cards, and school supplies here. (WFTS)
Tech
  • The Lakeland-based Hurricane Hunters are updating how they collect data from large storms. Rather than using manned aircrafts, unmanned drones can get where planes can’t: Below 1,000 feet, where the ocean meets the air, and more. ⛈️ (WFLA)
Active
  • Registration for the 2022 Tick Tock Ultra closes this Thurs., Sept. 29. The race will challenge runners to complete as many laps around Lake Hollingsworth as possible on Sat., Oct. 1 in either a six or 12-hour time block. That’s one way to spend a Saturday.
  • Calling all pickleballers: EMERGE Lakeland is hosting a free-to-all pickleball tournament on Tues., Oct. 25 at the Kelly Recreation Complex. Not sure what pickleball is? Check out our guide to learn about the sport (and maybe get a round or two in before you compete for prizes at the tournament).
Sports
  • Score. The Florida Tropics will be playing in a new alignment for their seventh season, starting this December. Also in the seven-team Eastern Conference will be the Baltimore Blast, Harrisburg Heat, Kansas City Comets, Milwaukee Wave, St. Louis Ambush, and the Utica City FC. ⚽ (The Ledger)
Shop
  • Football season is in full swing. If you’re headed to a game this fall, don’t forget to pack your game day essentials in a stadium approved bag. This clear crossbody with 8,000+ positive reviews is a must + we also love this trendy fanny pack option.*
Community
  • Do you hear wedding bells ringing? If you’re looking for a scenic outdoor venue, consider tying the knot at Bonnet Springs Park, surrounded by century old trees and Florida foliage. Learn more + request info. 💍 *
Home
  • Looking for a sign to upgrade your AC unit? You’re in luck. Now through Tues., Nov. 1, Payne AC is offering a Cool Cash rebate of up to $1,550 on new Carrier AC units. Learn more.*
Job
  • How does doing the same job for higher pay sound? Lakeland Regional Health just increased their pay rates for experienced EP Techs + RNs. Learn more about the additional benefits offered + apply online.*
Eat
  • Skip the meal hassle with Sunbasket, a meal kit delivery service that makes healthy eating beyond easy. Sunbasket offers 10 different meal plans that work for those with dietary preferences and specific restrictions (think: paleo, gluten-free, veg, diabetes-friendly + more). Bonus: Sign up for $100 off your first four deliveries. 🥕 *
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THE WRAP
Rilee-Delgado-Headshot-LAL

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: My hurricane kit always includes a few things for entertainment, in addition to food and safety essentials. Specifically, I always keep a deck or two of cards, a book, and a portable phone charger on hand.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We told you about the history behind the Lakeland Fire Department, here.
Read More
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Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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