Category: News, US & Canada

Hurricane Milton Strikes: Category 5 Storm Targets Florida with Devastating Impact

Category 5 Storm Targets Florida with Devastating Impact

Hurricane Milton has rapidly escalated into a highly dangerous Category 5 storm as it barrels toward Florida. With winds reaching an astonishing 180mph (285km/h), the storm is currently skirting Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and heading towards the heavily populated area of Tampa Bay. Authorities are warning of catastrophic storm surges along Florida’s coastal regions.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has initiated one of the largest evacuation efforts in years, urging residents to act swiftly. “We have to assume this is going to be a monster,” DeSantis stated during a press conference on Monday afternoon, as time runs out for Floridians to evacuate.

Milton’s approach comes just 10 days after the deadly Hurricane Helene devastated the southeastern U.S., killing at least 225 people, including 14 in Florida. Many of those affected by Helene are now once again in the path of this new storm, which has led to emergency warnings being issued for 51 of Florida’s 67 counties.

Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service (NWS), explained that Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification has set records, with wind speeds increasing by 80 knots (148km/h) in just 24 hours. “That’s the third fastest we’ve ever recorded,” he said. Category 5 hurricanes, like Milton, are classified as major storms due to their potential for extreme loss of life and damage.

Expected Impact on Florida

Although Milton is forecast to weaken slightly as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico, the storm will still likely make landfall as a powerful Category 3 hurricane by Wednesday night or early Thursday. Tampa Bay and surrounding areas are expected to face torrential rain, flash flooding, and life-threatening storm surges of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters). The National Hurricane Center warned of localized rainfall totals reaching 15 inches (38 cm).

In response, counties across Florida began issuing evacuation orders on Monday, with tolls suspended to ease traffic as people rush to leave. Petrol stations in southern Florida are seeing long queues, and some have already run out of fuel as residents prepare for the worst. Traffic congestion has surged by 90% above average in some areas, DeSantis noted.

Airports in Tampa and Orlando will suspend flight operations starting Tuesday as schools in several counties also close in preparation for the storm. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) spokesperson Keith Turi expressed optimism, stating, “I’m encouraged by the amount of evacuation that’s going on right now. This is actually a good sign.”

Political Fallout and Delayed Events

Hurricane Milton has also disrupted the political landscape. While Governor DeSantis has been in contact with President Joe Biden regarding the storm, tensions flared as DeSantis reportedly refused to take calls from Vice President Kamala Harris. “I didn’t know she called me… I was not aware of that,” DeSantis remarked. Harris criticized this move, calling it “political gamesmanship” during a time of crisis. Meanwhile, a planned town hall event in Miami with former President Donald Trump was postponed due to safety concerns.

Milton’s Path After Helene’s Destruction

As Floridians brace for Milton, the state is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. More than 12,000 cubic yards of debris have already been cleared in Florida’s hardest-hit areas, but roads remain closed, complicating relief efforts. Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, left millions without power and caused significant damage across several southern states. President Biden has deployed an additional 500 soldiers to North Carolina to assist with ongoing recovery efforts. Federal aid in response to Helene has reached nearly $140 million.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Floridians are urged to take the storm seriously and evacuate if instructed. The storm is expected to bring widespread destruction, particularly along the coast, where storm surges and high winds pose the greatest risk.