Hurricane Milton , a massive Category 5 storm , is rapidly approaching Florida’s Gulf Coast, threatening to hit the Tampa Bay region, which has not faced a major direct hurricane impact in over a century. The storm comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene ravaged the same area, leaving significant destruction and debris behind. As Milton's landfall nears, authorities are racing to clear the remaining debris from Helene to prevent it from becoming airborne missiles, while evacuation orders have been issued in several regions.
The storm has already intensified with winds reaching 180 mph and poses a serious risk of storm surges, flooding, and wind damage across Florida's west coast. Many residents, still recovering from Helene, are preparing for what could be one of the most severe storms to hit the area in decades. Meanwhile, the federal and state governments are mobilizing resources to manage the storm's impact, with tensions rising as political leaders clash over storm preparedness and response efforts.
What is the current status of Hurricane Milton?
Hurricane Milton is a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph. The storm is moving toward Florida and is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay region on Wednesday. As it approaches, it could weaken slightly but will likely retain hurricane strength as it moves across central Florida and exits into the Atlantic Ocean.
How does Milton compare to previous hurricanes?
Milton is considered potentially catastrophic, especially since it comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida just two weeks ago. Milton intensified quickly, gaining 92 mph in 24 hours, which is one of the fastest rates recorded. The National Hurricane Center reports that Milton's pressure is near record low, signaling its strength. Meteorologists have compared its rapid intensification to storms like Hurricane Wilma (2005) and Hurricane Felix (2007).
What areas are most at risk from Milton?
The Tampa Bay area is at high risk, with forecasts predicting storm surges between 8 to 12 feet, the highest ever predicted for the region. In addition, widespread flooding is expected, with rainfall estimates between 5 to 10 inches across Florida and up to 15 inches in some areas. Other affected regions include Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Florida’s mainland and Keys.
What is being done to prepare for Milton?
Florida’s government has mobilized efforts to remove debris left by Hurricane Helene to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles during Milton. Hillsborough County has issued evacuation orders for areas near Tampa Bay, mobile homes, and vulnerable regions. Federal assistance, including 7,000 workers, has been dispatched, and President Biden has declared a state of emergency for Florida.
How are residents reacting to Hurricane Milton?
Residents in affected areas are rushing to evacuate or prepare for the storm. Many have expressed concerns about debris from Hurricane Helene turning into dangerous projectiles. Sarah Steslicki from Belleair Beach criticized the slow removal of debris, stating, “They’ve screwed around and haven’t picked the debris up, and now they’re scrambling to get it picked up.” Others, like Candice Briggs from Seminole, are emotionally drained from evacuating just two weeks after Helene, saying, “Most of the tears I’ve cried have been out of exhaustion or gratitude.”
What lessons are being drawn from previous storms like Helene?
Hurricane Helene, which killed at least 230 people, has highlighted the growing intensity of storms, particularly due to climate change. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell warned that “these storms are bringing more water than they ever have” and emphasized that while wind remains a risk, flooding is the primary cause of fatalities. Researchers believe warmer oceans are fueling the rapid intensification of these storms.
How has Milton impacted political discourse?
Hurricane Milton has sparked political tensions, with Vice President Kamala Harris criticizing Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump for what she called “political gamesmanship” in the wake of Hurricane Helene. She accused DeSantis of ignoring federal support offers and Trump of spreading misinformation about disaster funds. DeSantis, meanwhile, has been coordinating directly with President Biden to manage the storm response.
How are local services being affected by the storm?
Several Florida counties are converting schools into shelters, and airports in Tampa, St Petersburg, and Orlando have announced closures. Fuel shortages have been reported, with gas stations in Fort Myers and Tampa running out of fuel as people evacuate.
(With inputs from agencies)
The storm has already intensified with winds reaching 180 mph and poses a serious risk of storm surges, flooding, and wind damage across Florida's west coast. Many residents, still recovering from Helene, are preparing for what could be one of the most severe storms to hit the area in decades. Meanwhile, the federal and state governments are mobilizing resources to manage the storm's impact, with tensions rising as political leaders clash over storm preparedness and response efforts.
What is the current status of Hurricane Milton?
Hurricane Milton is a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph. The storm is moving toward Florida and is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay region on Wednesday. As it approaches, it could weaken slightly but will likely retain hurricane strength as it moves across central Florida and exits into the Atlantic Ocean.
How does Milton compare to previous hurricanes?
Milton is considered potentially catastrophic, especially since it comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida just two weeks ago. Milton intensified quickly, gaining 92 mph in 24 hours, which is one of the fastest rates recorded. The National Hurricane Center reports that Milton's pressure is near record low, signaling its strength. Meteorologists have compared its rapid intensification to storms like Hurricane Wilma (2005) and Hurricane Felix (2007).
What areas are most at risk from Milton?
The Tampa Bay area is at high risk, with forecasts predicting storm surges between 8 to 12 feet, the highest ever predicted for the region. In addition, widespread flooding is expected, with rainfall estimates between 5 to 10 inches across Florida and up to 15 inches in some areas. Other affected regions include Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Florida’s mainland and Keys.
What is being done to prepare for Milton?
Florida’s government has mobilized efforts to remove debris left by Hurricane Helene to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles during Milton. Hillsborough County has issued evacuation orders for areas near Tampa Bay, mobile homes, and vulnerable regions. Federal assistance, including 7,000 workers, has been dispatched, and President Biden has declared a state of emergency for Florida.
How are residents reacting to Hurricane Milton?
Residents in affected areas are rushing to evacuate or prepare for the storm. Many have expressed concerns about debris from Hurricane Helene turning into dangerous projectiles. Sarah Steslicki from Belleair Beach criticized the slow removal of debris, stating, “They’ve screwed around and haven’t picked the debris up, and now they’re scrambling to get it picked up.” Others, like Candice Briggs from Seminole, are emotionally drained from evacuating just two weeks after Helene, saying, “Most of the tears I’ve cried have been out of exhaustion or gratitude.”
What lessons are being drawn from previous storms like Helene?
Hurricane Helene, which killed at least 230 people, has highlighted the growing intensity of storms, particularly due to climate change. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell warned that “these storms are bringing more water than they ever have” and emphasized that while wind remains a risk, flooding is the primary cause of fatalities. Researchers believe warmer oceans are fueling the rapid intensification of these storms.
How has Milton impacted political discourse?
Hurricane Milton has sparked political tensions, with Vice President Kamala Harris criticizing Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump for what she called “political gamesmanship” in the wake of Hurricane Helene. She accused DeSantis of ignoring federal support offers and Trump of spreading misinformation about disaster funds. DeSantis, meanwhile, has been coordinating directly with President Biden to manage the storm response.
How are local services being affected by the storm?
Several Florida counties are converting schools into shelters, and airports in Tampa, St Petersburg, and Orlando have announced closures. Fuel shortages have been reported, with gas stations in Fort Myers and Tampa running out of fuel as people evacuate.
(With inputs from agencies)
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