2024-10-09 12:16:00
Hurricane Milton” width=”1200″ height=”789″/>Satellite image of Hurricane Milton
Local authorities declared a critical alert, warning residents of a potential catastrophe due to the hurricane’s strength and path. This area, home to more than 3.3 million people, has not faced a weather event of this magnitude in more than a century.
The National Hurricane Center’s forecast indicates that Milton could make landfall this Wednesday, with potentially catastrophic strength. Although it has weakened slightly to Category 5, it is expected to retain its Category 3 status following the impact on Florida. Currently, Milton is about 360 miles southeast of Tampa, with sustained winds of 160 miles per hour.
The hurricane’s predicted path sees it move across the state toward the Atlantic Ocean. However, its exact path remains uncertain, as it moved slightly south of Tampa. As evacuation time runs out, thousands of vehicles clog major roads in a desperate attempt to leave the danger zone.
Authorities urge evacuations amid extreme risk of flooding
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was forceful in her warnings of the storm’s danger. According to Castor, the combined effects of Milton could result in a storm surge up to 15 feet high, capable of completely submerging a home. In recent statements, Castor warned, “So if you’re in there, that’s basically your coffin,” illustrating the gravity of the situation.
The Tampa Bay area is still recovering from the recent Hurricane Helene, which caused severe damage and a tragic death toll of 230 in the southern United States. In cities like Punta Gorda, remnants of the past storm are still visible: flooded streets and piled debris reveal the destructive impact and vulnerability of coastal communities.
While some residents, like accountant Scott Joiner, are choosing to stay in their homes, others have decided to follow evacuation orders issued for 11 counties, covering 5.9 million people. Joiner, facing possible flooding, shared his experience with bull sharks swimming in the streets of his neighborhood after Helene. “Having water is a blessing, but it is very deadly,” he said.
Authorities clearly warn that those who choose to stay must rely solely on their own resources, as emergency services will be at risk during the peak of the storm. This generated mixed responses among residents, with some taking minimal precautions and others seeing Milton as a risk they did not wish to take.
Scientists monitor Hurricane Milton after previous disasters
Gov. Ron DeSantis quickly mobilized resources to remove the hazardous debris left by Helene, fearing it would become lethal projectiles in the new storm. To date, approximately 300 trucks have removed 1,300 loads of debris in preparation for the incoming threat.
In Mexico, authorities in the state of Yucatán have already experienced some effects of Milton, reporting minor damage, mainly to infrastructure and vegetation. Governor Joaquín Díaz confirmed that there were no human victims, although the impact of the wind was strong.
Given the threat posed by the hurricane, eleven Florida counties ordered the evacuation of approximately 5.9 million people. Authorities warn that those who choose to stay will not receive emergency assistance during the worst of the storm. Governor DeSantis recommended residents evacuate to nearby areas instead of taking long journeys.
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