The state of Florida is gearing up for a massive evacuation as Hurricane Milton intensifies to a Category 2 storm, putting Tampa and Orlando in its sights. The National Hurricane Center in Miami has issued storm surge and hurricane watches for the state, as well as a hurricane warning for Mexico, as the storm continues to gain strength over the southern Gulf of Mexico. This has the potential to cause significant damage to the already storm-ravaged Florida Gulf Coast.
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Milton is expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay on Wednesday and maintain its status as a hurricane as it moves across central Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean. This path will spare other southern states that were devastated by Hurricane Helene, which claimed the lives of at least 230 individuals from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains last Sunday.
The Mexican government has issued a hurricane alert for the Yucatan Peninsula from Celestun to Rio Lagartos, as the storm continues to pose a threat to the region.
As Florida residents brace themselves for the impact of Hurricane Milton, memories of the chaos caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 loom large. At that time, 7 million people were advised to evacuate, leading to blocked roadways, long lines at gas stations, and frustration among evacuees. The state is now working to set up emergency gasoline and electric charging stations along evacuation routes to prevent similar issues from arising during the current evacuation.
Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie emphasized the importance of thorough hurricane preparedness plans and urged residents to take advantage of the time available to get ready for the approaching storm. He also mentioned that the state is identifying potential locations to serve as shelters of last resort in the event of an emergency.
According to the latest reports from the hurricane center, Hurricane Milton is currently located approximately 195 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and 750 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and is moving east-southeast at a speed of 8 mph. It is expected to strengthen further and has the potential to become a major hurricane by Monday.
Governor Ron DeSantis has warned that Florida will feel the impact of Hurricane Milton, regardless of the exact path the storm takes. He stressed the need for residents to be prepared and advised those living on Florida’s west coast barrier islands to make plans to evacuate.
Colorado State University hurricane expert Phil Klotzbach noted that Hurricane Milton’s classification marks the first time the Atlantic has seen three simultaneous storms since September. This is a significant development that highlights the severity of the current hurricane season.
As preparations continue across Florida, including the declaration of a state of emergency in 51 counties and the mobilization of the National Guard to assist with debris clearing, the focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Evacuation orders have been issued, and schools and other facilities are closing as a precaution.
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton, the federal government, through agencies like FEMA, is working to provide support and assistance to those affected by the storm. Over $137 million in disaster assistance has been disbursed since Hurricane Helene struck, with resources being deployed to help individuals and communities recover and rebuild.
President Biden has pledged full support for the ongoing response efforts, emphasizing the importance of working together regardless of political affiliations to ensure the safety and security of all those impacted by Hurricane Milton. The coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local agencies will be crucial in mitigating the effects of the storm and ensuring that affected communities receive the help they need to recover and rebuild.
