As Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies, Florida braces for impact. Expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane later this week, residents are urged to prepare for severe weather and potential evacuations.
Milton Strengthens to Category 5
Hurricane Milton has escalated to a Category 5 storm as of Monday, marking one of the fastest intensifications recorded in the Atlantic Basin. Winds have surged to 150 mph, and experts predict it will weaken to a Category 3 before hitting Florida’s west coast late Wednesday or early Thursday. This rapid transformation underscores the need for vigilance among Floridians, particularly those still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Airports Close as Precaution
In anticipation of the storm, several major airports are suspending operations:
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport: Closing at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and remaining shut on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tampa International Airport: Closing at 9 a.m. Tuesday until further assessments can be made post-storm.
Orlando International Airport: Scheduled to close Wednesday morning with plans to reopen once it is deemed safe.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport: Closing at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Officials emphasize that the airports are not designated public shelters and recommend residents prepare accordingly.
FEMA Mobilizes Resources
In response to the looming hurricane, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is traveling from North Carolina to Florida to coordinate disaster response efforts. A robust team of FEMA personnel and resources including Urban Search & Rescue teams, Coast Guard Swift Water Rescue teams, and HealthCare System Assessment Teams are being deployed across the affected areas.
Storm Surge and Rainfall Threat
One of the primary dangers from Hurricane Milton is the anticipated storm surge. The Tampa Bay area is expected to experience a record-breaking surge of 8 to 12 feet. This comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which already caused significant storm surges of 6 to 8 feet. Additionally, heavy rainfall could lead to widespread flooding, with predictions of up to 15 inches of rain in some regions.
Evacuation Orders and State of Emergency
A state of emergency has been declared in 51 of Florida’s 67 counties. Evacuation orders are in effect for several coastal counties, including Charlotte, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota. Residents in storm surge zones are strongly advised to heed local officials’ instructions and evacuate to safer locations.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasizes the urgency of the situation, warning, “Time is running out. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, you need to evacuate. Drowning deaths due to storm surge are 100% preventable if you leave.”
Preparedness Is Key
Residents are urged to assemble disaster kits containing several days’ worth of non-perishable food and water. With the potential for severe weather impacts, now is the time to take precautions.
The University of Florida has also canceled classes on Wednesday and Thursday, planning to resume operations on Friday.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida residents are reminded to stay informed and prepared. With significant wind and storm surge expected, it’s crucial to follow evacuation orders and take safety measures seriously. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to respond as the storm unfolds.
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