Florida is bracing for the potentially “most destructive” hurricane in its history as Hurricane Milton, now a powerful Category 5 storm, approaches the state’s west-central coast. Late on Tuesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center confirmed that Milton had restrengthened, with sustained winds of 165 mph, making it a life-threatening storm as it moves closer to landfall.
Governor Ron DeSantis issued a stark warning to residents, urging them to complete evacuations and preparations before Wednesday’s projected landfall. Time is running out,” DeSantis said, stressing that conditions could rapidly deteriorate. You may have a window where it may be safe, but you may not. So, use today as your day to finalize and execute the plan that is going to protect you and your family.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor echoed the urgency, warning residents that staying behind could be fatal. People will die if they don’t evacuate,” she told CNN, adding that Hurricane Helene, which recently caused devastation in parts of the state, should have served as a “wake-up call.” Milton, she said, could be “literally catastrophic.”
Milton’s Path and Impact
As of this morning, Hurricane Milton is about 405 miles southwest of Tampa, moving northeast at 12 mph. The storm is expected to make landfall along the central Gulf Coast of Florida by Wednesday night or early Thursday, bringing widespread destruction. Although Milton is forecast to weaken slightly before hitting land, it is expanding in size, with tropical-storm-force winds extending 230 miles outward from its centre. This means much of Florida’s peninsula is at risk of severe weather.
Meteorologists have described the storm as unprecedented, with one even fighting back tears during a live broadcast while updating the public on the dangers of Milton. The combination of high winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall poses a significant threat to coastal communities and inland areas alike.
Evacuations and Preparations
Florida authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations in several counties along the coast, with thousands of residents already fleeing their homes. Those who have not yet evacuated are being urged to leave immediately, as forecasts predict severe flooding, power outages, and widespread destruction.
Emergency crews are on high alert, with the National Guard and other first responders positioned across the state in preparation for rescue and relief efforts. “Evacuations and other preparations should be completed today,” the National Hurricane Center warned, calling Milton “one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.”
Hurricane Milton’s Devastating Potential
Milton’s eyewall replacement cycle earlier today caused the storm to re-intensify, with wind speeds currently reaching 165 mph. While the storm could weaken slightly before landfall, experts warn that Milton will still pack a dangerous punch, with heavy rains and storm surges expected to reach several feet high.
Space station footage captured the storm re-intensifying over the Gulf of Mexico, showing the sheer size and power of Milton as it churns toward the Florida coast.
Florida on High Alert
Residents across the state are scrambling to secure their homes and businesses, with images showing people boarding up windows and stocking up on essential supplies in preparation for what could be a historic storm. Areas from Fort Myers to Tampa are particularly at risk, with widespread damage anticipated.
In the face of this rapidly approaching disaster, authorities urge anyone in Milton’s path to take immediate action. “Milton could be the most destructive storm Florida has ever seen,” one official said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
