Florida is preparing for what could be its largest evacuation in seven years as Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 3 storm. The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued storm surge and hurricane watches for parts of Florida and a hurricane warning for the Mexican coast as Milton grew into a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (193 kph) over the southern Gulf of Mexico.
The potential path of Hurricane Milton suggests it could make landfall in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday and continue to move across central Florida into the Atlantic Ocean. This trajectory would largely spare other southeastern states that were recently affected by Hurricane Helene, which caused catastrophic damage and a death toll of at least 230 people.
The Mexican government issued a hurricane warning for the Yucatan Peninsula as Florida prepares for the impact of Hurricane Milton. Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to be prepared and emphasized the need for evacuation, especially for those living on barrier islands along the west coast of Florida.
This will be the first time the Atlantic has had three simultaneous hurricanes after September, according to hurricane scientist Phil Klotzbach from Colorado State University. With the potential for significant impacts, Florida is taking measures to ensure preparedness, including staging emergency fuel and charging stations along evacuation routes.
As Florida braces for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, it is essential for residents to have a week’s worth of food and water, be ready for power outages, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The state of emergency declaration has been expanded to 51 counties, and National Guard troops are assisting with debris removal and other preparations.
Despite ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, FEMA is already preparing for Hurricane Milton and has mobilized significant resources to support affected communities. Federal disaster assistance has surpassed $137 million, and various agencies are working together to provide aid and support to those in need.
President Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in the face of natural disasters, pledging to support families as they begin the process of rebuilding. The response to Hurricane Milton will be coordinated and comprehensive, with a focus on helping communities recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the storm.
