Janice R. Andrews
Florida’s coastline is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm that has prompted thousands to flee their homes. The hurricane, described as potentially the most severe in a century, threatens to bring unprecedented storm surges and flooding.
On Tuesday, highways out of Tampa saw heavy congestion as residents sought safety inland. Cleanup crews are racing against time to remove debris left by Hurricane Helene, preventing it from becoming hazardous during Milton’s landfall. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reports that Milton has regained Category 5 strength, intensifying the urgency of preparations.
Earlier, Milton battered Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, toppling power infrastructure and destroying smaller buildings, according to Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena. The storm is projected to dump up to 46 centimeters of rain on central Florida as it moves eastward.
The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay warns of possible 3-meter storm surges when Milton makes landfall late Wednesday. Governor Ron DeSantis stressed the need for readiness on Florida’s west coast, while President Joe Biden characterized Milton as potentially “one of the worst storms in 100 years” to hit the state.
Biden has declared a state of emergency for Florida, mobilizing federal aid. He’s postponed international travel to oversee the response. FEMA has deployed nearly 900 personnel and stockpiled millions of meals and liters of water in preparation.
This crisis follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which claimed at least 225 lives along the east coast. Governor DeSantis reported that crews have already removed over 1,300 truckloads of debris from Helene in just two days, emphasizing the importance of clearing potential projectiles before Milton hits.
Milton is the 13th named storm in this Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1. The rapid succession of intense hurricanes has raised questions about climate change’s role in storm intensity.
Authorities continue to urge residents to heed evacuation orders and stay informed as Hurricane Milton approaches.
