Janice R. Andrews
As Hurricane Milton intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida prepares for another potentially devastating storm. Forecasters predict Milton will reach Category 3 strength before making landfall on the state’s west coast, mere days after Hurricane Helene’s destructive impact. Officials are urging millions to ready themselves for possible evacuations and significant disruptions as early as Wednesday.
Milton, which began as a tropical storm on Saturday, quickly escalated to a Category 1 hurricane by Sunday afternoon. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) anticipates further intensification, with winds potentially exceeding 111 mph as it nears Florida. As of Sunday evening, Milton was located 275 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and 805 miles west-southwest of Tampa, moving east at 7 mph with 85 mph sustained winds.
Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the state of emergency to cover 51 counties, with authorities preparing for the potential evacuation of over six million residents. The governor stressed the importance of evacuation plans, particularly for those in low-lying areas vulnerable to storm surges.
The NHC has issued a storm surge watch, predicting water levels to rise 2-4 feet above ground along Florida’s west coast, especially in the Tampa Bay area. This surge is expected to be accompanied by large, destructive waves that could inundate coastal regions.
While Milton’s exact landfall location remains uncertain, areas along the Florida Peninsula and Keys are likely to feel its effects by Wednesday. Some regions could receive 5-10 inches of rain, with localized areas seeing up to 15 inches, increasing the risk of flash floods and river flooding.
Federal agencies are coordinating closely with Florida’s emergency management teams, with FEMA deploying resources ahead of the storm. However, concerns have been raised about FEMA’s financial situation, with its disaster relief fund running low due to the high number of storms this season.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk in the Atlantic has weakened from a Category 3 to a Category 2 storm and is not expected to pose a significant threat to land.
Florida is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm that caused at least 20 deaths and left over 350,000 without power. Governor DeSantis acknowledged the strain on state resources but assured ongoing recovery efforts alongside preparations for Hurricane Milton.
The 2024 hurricane season has been particularly active, with Milton being the 13th named storm. Experts warn that climate change may be contributing to the increasing intensity and frequency of storms. As the season continues, residents in hurricane-prone areas are urged to remain vigilant and prepared.
