Hit as "arrive at, come to, reach" (a place, limit etc)

Question

Do you have any idea how "hit" came to mean reach or arrive at a point, place, or limit and the like?

Oxford:

1. reach (a particular level, point, or figure) : "his career hit rock bottom"
2. arrive at or go to (a place): "we hit a diner for coffee and doughnuts"

Are there any restrictions to its usage this way that I should be aware of?

A few examples:

• Hurricane Irma Florida path: What time will Irma hit Orlando and Miami?

• various expressions: hit the road; hit the skids

• "How can I not kill him?" Jack had hit his limit. I was nearing mine as well.

My understanding of the word "hit", the senses above aside, is that it means strike, as in come physically, perhaps violently into contact with something. Might it be that from there it evolved to simply "come into contact"- or, better said- run into, come across ("strike/hit pay dirt" comes to mind), and from there evolved still?

Answer 1

To happen or occur, to become suddenly apparent to (a person), to come or light upon; meet with; find

As in:

The storm hit without warning. The reason for his behavior hit me and made the whole episode clear.

hit etymology