Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast as Evacuations Ramp Up
Hurricane Milton is barreling through the Gulf of Mexico, intensifying into an “extremely dangerous” storm poised to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast, particularly the Tampa Bay area, just weeks after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
With over 3.3 million residents, the Tampa Bay area has not faced a direct hit from a major hurricane in more than a century. The storm’s impending approach has created a mass exodus, with heavy traffic reported on Interstate 75 as residents flee the region. Meanwhile, crews are urgently clearing debris from Helene along the coastline to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles in Milton’s wake.
Milton initially strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane on Monday but was downgraded to a Category 4 by Tuesday. Despite the fluctuation in intensity, National Hurricane Center forecasters maintain that the storm is likely to remain a significant threat as it approaches land. By Tuesday afternoon, Milton’s sustained winds had increased to 155 mph (250 kph), with gusts expected to be even stronger.
Landfall Predictions and Potential Impacts
Forecasters predict Milton will make landfall on Florida’s central Gulf coast late Wednesday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to prepare for a “major, major impact” to the west coast.
President Joe Biden has postponed an overseas trip to stay in the White House and monitor the situation, warning that Milton could be one of the worst storms to hit Florida in a century.
As hurricane warnings extended to parts of Florida’s east coast, scientists noted this year’s storm season has been unprecedented. Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach highlighted the bizarre nature of the season, with multiple hurricanes forming simultaneously—something that has never happened before.
Storm Surge and Evacuations
The entire Gulf Coast of Florida is particularly vulnerable to storm surge, with forecasts indicating a potentially catastrophic 10 to 15-foot (3 to 4.5-meter) surge in Tampa Bay. This prediction has prompted evacuation orders for communities along the coast. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued stern warnings to residents, stating, “If you’re in it, basically that’s the coffin that you’re in,” emphasizing the severe risk for those in single-story homes.
The storm is anticipated to cross central Florida, dumping as much as 18 inches (46 centimeters) of rain as it moves toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Travel Disruptions and Closures
Tampa International Airport suspended flights on Tuesday, clarifying that it is not a shelter for people or vehicles. Nearby St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is also closing after its final flights. Meanwhile, in Orlando, major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios remain open, though Orlando International Airport, the state’s busiest, will cease operations on Wednesday morning.
Preparations in Mexico
In Mexico, officials are organizing evacuations from Progreso, a low-lying coastal city on the Yucatán Peninsula, as forecasts suggest Milton could make landfall between Celestun and Progreso. Residents and tourists on Holbox Island are also evacuating, seeking safety from the storm’s impact.
As Hurricane Milton looms, the focus remains on safety and preparation for those in its path.
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