Florida Braces for Possible Worst Storm as Hurricane Milton Intensifies
Hurricane Milton as seen from the International Space Station, Oct. 8, 2024. X/ @dominickmatthew
October 9, 2024 Hour: 8:01 am
It could be the worst storm system to hit the state of Florida in over 100 years.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Milton has acquired the characteristics of a “highly dangerous” Category 5 event and is continuing its path toward the coast of Florida in the United States, where it is expected to make landfall near Tampa on Wednesday night.
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More than 5 million residents on Florida’s western coast were urged to leave the densely populated coastal area. Milton re-intensified on Tuesday to Category 5, the highest rating, with sustained winds at about 270 km/h in the center. More than 20 counties in the state issued mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders and officials uttered out dire warnings to those under evacuation orders.
Officials said the “life-threatening storm” will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida through Wednesday. The center is likely to make landfall along the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night.
The U.S. National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center urged Florida residents to finalize preparing their families and homes ahead of Hurricane Milton as conditions will gradually deteriorate into Wednesday.
“With Hurricane Milton almost here, TODAY is the LAST DAY to evacuate. When the storm hits areas will be flooded and will be extremely dangerous to drive through,” the agency warned on Tuesday.
“Now is the time to execute your plan and follow any evacuation orders from your local officials. Your home can be rebuilt, your possessions can be replaced, but we cannot replace a life lost to the storm,” wrote Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on X.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw warned that Milton “is the storm of the century” and urged residents to evacuate. The hurricane is “expected to bring multiple weather hazards such as high winds, deadly storm surge, tornadoes and heavy rain,” the Florida Division of Emergency Management warned, noting that power outages are anticipated statewide due to these hazards.
“Beginning tomorrow, portions of the state will be experiencing tropical storm force winds which means it’s unsafe to drive or be outside,” the Florida Division of Emergency Management, adding that there will be free shuttles operating in multiple counties assisting with evacuations to shelters.
The Florida National Guard has activated approximately 5,000 service members for Hurricane Milton preparedness operations, while the Florida Department of Health deployed nearly 600 emergency response vehicles to support emergency evacuations and patient transport as needed, according to the updates on state preparedness efforts for Hurricane Milton released by DeSantis’ office.
Florida is facing its largest-ever evacuation of emergency healthcare facilities due to Hurricane Milton, a Florida Department of Health spokesperson told ABC News. Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights to and from Florida as the storm approaches. Walt Disney World parks said they will close on Wednesday “before higher winds are expected to reach Central Florida” and are likely to remain closed on Thursday.
On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden approved the declaration of emergency in Florida which is still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. He has postponed a planned trip to Germany and Angola and will instead focus on the preparations for the expected landing of Hurricane Milton in Florida.
teleSUR/ JF Sources: Xinhua – EFE
