A rapidly expanding Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s west coast on Wednesday, bringing tornadoes, rain, and wind ahead of its anticipated landfall near Tampa Bay. It poses a life-threatening surge of seawater to waterfront communities already impacted by Hurricane Helene. Authorities ordered the evacuation of up to two million people across Florida, with millions more in Milton’s projected path. This storm hits just two weeks after Helene caused devastation in Florida and other states.
Officials issued severe warnings as the storm’s expected landfall drew nearer. Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi warned that those remaining on barrier islands south of Tampa may not survive the storm surge. “If you choose to stay, make sure you have a life preserver handy,” she stated during a CNN appearance.
The storm, fuelled by warm Gulf of Mexico waters, targeted the Tampa Bay area, home to over 3 million people. By 5 p.m. EDT, the storm’s eye was 60 miles west-southwest of Sarasota, moving northeast at 17 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Tropical force winds had already been hitting the peninsula for hours.
#hurricanemilton2024
Sarasota, United States:
Hurricane Milton blasted ashore in Florida Wednesday night with furious winds, life-threatening rain and storm surge, as people who endured another hurricane just two weeks ago braced for a long, violent night.
I wish the people of… pic.twitter.com/3fvk49e0Pr— PJ Mishra (@PJMishra121110) October 10, 2024
Milton weakened slightly to a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday afternoon but grew in size as it approached Florida. It remained “an extremely dangerous major hurricane” with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. The storm could bring a seawater surge up to 13 feet in some areas and drop six to 12 inches of rain, with isolated spots seeing up to 18 inches. Milton was expected to maintain its hurricane strength as it crossed Florida, posing storm-surge risks on the Atlantic coast as well.
The National Weather Service confirmed at least a dozen tornadoes in Florida on Wednesday. Tampa Bay’s four bridges were closed before the storm’s landfall, as reported by the Florida 511 website. Most people who decided to evacuate appeared to have done so, leaving nearby St. Petersburg’s streets nearly deserted by midday Wednesday. Most causeways connecting Gulf barrier islands to the mainland were also shut, stranding those who chose to ride out the storm despite official pleas.
In Orlando, many who had previously weathered hurricanes took unusual precautions due to Milton’s rapid intensification and official warnings. Jim Naginey, a 61-year-old homeless man living in Orlando for nearly 30 years, sought shelter at Colonial High School. “This one seems different,” Naginey noted. “After seeing what happened last week in North Carolina, it seems that unexpected disaster can hit in places not used to it. That’s why I decided to seek shelter here.”
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris urged residents to follow local officials’ safety recommendations during a White House briefing. “It’s literally a matter of life and death,” Biden emphasised.
EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS
Deanne Criswell, Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, announced plans to travel to Florida on Wednesday and stay after the storm to aid recovery efforts. FEMA has moved millions of litres of water, meals, supplies, and personnel into the area. Criswell assured that the additional aid would not detract from Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. “I want people to hear from me directly, FEMA is ready,” she stated.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned that trucks had been clearing debris left by Helene non-stop before Milton potentially turns them into dangerous projectiles. About 2.8% of the U.S. GDP is in Milton’s direct path, according to Ryan Sweet, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. Airlines and energy firms began halting operations in Florida in anticipation of disruptions. Major theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld closed their doors on Wednesday. The Florida Hospital Association reported the evacuation of 19 hospitals, and mobile homes, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities faced mandatory evacuation.
Milton has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane, but the wind field is growing larger, extending across Florida. With conditions worsening by the hour with heavy rain, strong winds, and potentially life-threatening storm surge, @Ginger_Zee tracks the storm. https://t.co/IyzhJo993o pic.twitter.com/MPl69YPA31
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) October 10, 2024
In Fort Myers, mobile-home resident Jamie Watts and his wife sought refuge in a hotel after losing their previous trailer to Hurricane Ian in 2022. “My wife’s happy. We’re not in that tin can,” Watts remarked. “We stayed during Ian and literally watched my roof tear off my house,” he added. “So this time I’m going to be a little safer.”
Milton became the third-fastest intensifying storm on record in the Atlantic, growing from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in under 24 hours. “These extremely warm sea surface temperatures provide the fuel necessary for the rapid intensification that we saw taking place,” said climate scientist Daniel Gilford of Climate Central. “We know that as human beings increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, largely by burning fossil fuels, we are increasing that temperature all around the planet,” he added.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Irish Examiner. Millions evacuate as Hurricane Milton, fueled by warm Gulf waters, threatens Florida’s west coast, prompting dire warnings and mass evacuations ahead of potential landfall near Tampa Bay.(read more)
- USA Today reports Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast as a Category 3 hurricane, threatening Tampa Bay with significant storm surges and damage.
This article captures the urgency and potential devastation of Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida, particularly focusing on the storm’s category and its threat to the Tampa Bay area. The emphasis is on the severe weather conditions and the immediate consequences for the region. The unique angle highlights the specific location and category of the hurricane, underscoring the immediate danger posed by the storm. The key points include the storm’s landfall, category, and potential damage to the already storm-blasted coast.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When is Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida?
Milton is expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay on Wednesday evening.
How many people have been ordered to evacuate due to Hurricane Milton?
As many as two million people across Florida have been ordered to evacuate.
What is the current strength of Hurricane Milton?
As of Wednesday afternoon, Hurricane Milton is a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds.
How high could the storm surge from Hurricane Milton be?
The storm surge could be as high as nine to 13 feet in some areas.
What preparations are being made for Hurricane Milton?
FEMA has moved millions of liters of water, meals, and other supplies into the area.