(Milton Hurricane Update) MIAMI, FL—Worsening the public’s increasingly panicked state of mind was NewsWest simulcasting with Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in a few hours and could be the worst storm Florida had ever seen. With sustained winds over 150 mph and potential storm surge of more than 10 feet, Milton is about to become the second high-end Category 5 hurricane on record. Emergency service and officials have spent day s getting ready for the chances are that Milton can unleash unprecedented devastation on a country flourishing in many places.
A Storm of Historic Proportions
Hurricane Milton is being compared to some of the strongest hurricanes on record by meteorologists, with Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and Hurricane Helene earlier this season. While Milton is just a notch below sufficient confluence between the hot water and upper atmosphere to go full hypercanic (ye gods, if it does), he’s already made his mark in terms of atmospheric pressure across the Gulf of Mexico (the essential measure of strength for your typical magic storm)(Statesman)(WUSF ).
Meteorologists are especially worried about where this storm will hit — Tampa Bay. Under this track, it would portent catastrophic storm surge flooding to an area that has not been hit by a hurricane as powerful as Harvey in over 100 years. Forecast according to the National Weather Service warning of “life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds and flooding rain” which could render some areas uninhabitable for weeks or even months(WUSF )(FOX Weather).
Mass Evacuations and State of Emergency
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 of the state’s 67 counties in response to the increased threat this past weekend. On Monday, President Joe Biden signed an emergency declaration for Florida, allowing the DHS and FEMA to streamline disaster response ahead of the storm’s arrival (FOX Weather).
Coastal counties such as Pinellas, Hillsborough and Lee have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders with the storm’s path starting to materialize. The storm surge could be even worse—with levels 13 to 15 feet higher than normal, officials are urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to leave now. In a press briefing, Governor DeSantis said the following: ”This is not a storm to take lightly. If you’re in an evacuation zone, get out now. You can always follow the latest updates at this link, but we do not want you to come in from this storm”(WUSF )(Statesman).
Shelters and Emergency Services Mobilized
Shelters have been opened across the entire state to help people seeking refuge from the storm. In Lee County, for example, pet-friendly shelters have opened to host evacuees and the Florida Department of Transportation has suspended tolls on major evacuation routes. In Austin, local public transportation services — including buses — have been made fare free to assist residents in reaching safety(Statesman)(FOX Weather).
Officials on the ground have been working nonstop to get ready for Milton. Cities like Cape Coral also started by opening shelters as well as looking at and cleaning out storm drains to prevent flooding and other problems. Residents have also been warned to secure patio furniture, brace windows and prepare goods needed in emergencies such as water, batteries and non-perishable food (Statesman).
Hurricane’s Destructive Power
With Hurricane Milton now less than 25km away from the coast of Florida, meteorologists are warning that it has continued to grow in strength and could destroy some buildings altogether with what they refer to as “complete destruction” The size and strength of the storm concern officials who say Hurricane Irma could bring wind damage and flooding, with up to 15 inches of rain are expected in Barrington County(WUSF ).
The storm surge could be especially damaging on Florida’s Gulf Coast from Captiva to Tarpon Springs, where 6–10 feet of water is possible. In other areas, the record-setting surge could top 15 feet — engulfing homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Making matters worse are the locations still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Helene earlier this year, with many of those same spots in Milton’s line of fire(FOX Weather).
The city is also advising residents to prepare for possible lengthy power outages as Milton’s heavy winds are expected to take many trees and power lines down over a wide area. Florida Power & Light has crews mobilized to restore power once the storm moves on, but it could be days or even weeks in some areas before electricity is back to normal(FOX Weather).
Preparing for the Worst
They are warning that while evacuations and preparations are continuing, we need to fix the problem now. Cape Coral Emergency Management Director Ryan Lamb said, “We can replace property; we cannot replace lives.” “If you live in a flood prone area, especially if your home was flooded during the past hurricanes, do not wait. Begin planning an evacuation now”(Statesman).
Besides getting out, residents are also urged to lock and leave their homes as safely as possible. This encompasses things like boarding up windows, strengthening garage doors and making sure anything that could become a windblown missile is either anchored or moved indoors. As residents frantically try to prepare for the storm, local hardware stores report an increase in demand for plywood and sandbags(FOX Weather).
Impact Beyond Florida
While Florida is expected to be the hardest-hit by Hurricane Milton, states on and along the Gulf Coast are being urged to prepare for what lies ahead. Those bands could extend to Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas later in the week if the storm makes its way to the north. ATLANTA (FOX Weather) – Evacuees in escape from Florida can make arrangements to find shelter free of charge while the storm passes, as Atlanta Motor Speedway is giving evacuees access to their campgrounds. (FOX Weather).
With all eyes on Hurricane Milton, Florida braces itself for a potential disaster with naive hopes of reconstruction in the following years. Authorities are warning everyone in the storm’s path to follow the directives, and they are reminding that people should not underestimate the strength of any approaching storm. The next 48 hours will be critical as Florida prepares for potentially one of the most destructive hurricanes in its history…(FOX Weather).
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