Florida is on high alert as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico, following closely on the heels of the devastating Hurricane Helene. Officials have ordered what could be the largest evacuation since 2017's Hurricane Irma, with the Tampa Bay area expected to take a direct hit.
Milton, which strengthened from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday, is projected to make landfall as a major hurricane on Wednesday, with winds potentially reaching Category 4 status. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch for the northern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned that storm surges and power outages could surpass those experienced during Helene.
A Critical Situation for Florida’s Western Coast
As of Sunday evening, Milton was positioned roughly 780 miles southwest of Tampa, packing sustained winds of 85 mph and moving eastward at 7 mph. The storm is expected to make landfall near the densely populated Tampa Bay area, placing millions of people in harm's way. This is a particularly concerning development as the region is still reeling from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall further north just last week.
Emergency management director Kevin Guthrie urged Floridians to take the evacuation orders seriously, stating, "This could be the largest evacuation we’ve seen since Hurricane Irma. Please prepare now and evacuate if you're in an affected area."
Pinellas County, home to the city of St. Petersburg, is likely to issue mandatory evacuation orders for over 500,000 residents in low-lying areas. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri reminded citizens of the deadly consequences of ignoring evacuation orders, citing the 12 deaths and 1,500 unanswered emergency calls during Hurricane Helene.
Ongoing Challenges from Hurricane Helene
Florida is already grappling with the long-term impacts of Helene, which caused extensive damage across the southeast and left more than 200 dead. Governor DeSantis emphasized that Milton could exacerbate the situation, particularly in areas where debris from Helene remains uncleared. "If we get hit with a major hurricane, the debris could cause catastrophic additional damage," he said.
Local authorities have already begun evacuating hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in Pinellas County, affecting over 6,600 patients. Schools in the area have also been canceled from Monday through Wednesday as the region braces for impact.
A Coordinated Response to Back-to-Back Hurricanes
President Joe Biden has mobilized additional federal aid in response to the dual disasters. On Sunday, he ordered an additional 500 active-duty troops to assist with recovery efforts in North Carolina, which, along with Florida, is still reeling from the destruction caused by Helene. Federal assistance now totals $137 million, with further funds expected as the economic toll from both hurricanes continues to climb.
As the state prepares for yet another potentially catastrophic storm, officials are urging Floridians to remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and prepare for extended periods without power. The damage from Helene is expected to take years to fully repair, and Hurricane Milton may only compound the challenges ahead.
With Hurricane Milton bearing down on Florida, the state is bracing for its largest evacuation since 2017, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. As officials work to clear debris and prepare for potential catastrophic damage, the importance of evacuation and preparedness cannot be overstated.
Source: Reuters
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