A horrifying simulation has unveiled the catastrophic destruction that Hurricane Milton is expected to cause when it makes landfall in Florida. The powerful storm, now a Category 4 hurricane, is predicted to bring up to 15 feet of storm surge—taller than a double-decker bus—along with 155 mph winds, as it approaches Tampa and St. Petersburg.
As Hurricane Milton barrels towards the holiday hotspot, thousands of residents and tourists, including Brits stranded in southern Florida, have been scrambling to evacuate or prepare for the once-in-a-century storm. Floridians were given a dire warning to “flee or die” last night, with local officials urging the population to leave before the storm strikes on Wednesday.
Broadcast on The Weather Channel, a simulation depicted the devastating floodwaters expected to sweep through the region, with flood levels rising to nearly twice the height of meteorologist Stephanie Abrams, who cautioned viewers about the deadly impact. There are few places that are safe when the water rises this high,” Abrams explained.
As evacuation efforts intensify, Florida’s highways have become gridlocked, with massive traffic jams on I-75 and gas stations running out of fuel. Desperate residents in the storm’s projected path have begun panic-buying essentials, clearing store shelves of water, food, and emergency supplies. Airports in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando have already started shutting down, leaving thousands of British tourists stranded as flights were cancelled.
Governor Ron DeSantis assured the public that fuel supplies remain available, but warned that residents should not delay their evacuation plans. You do not have to travel far,” he said, emphasizing that moving just a few miles inland could save lives.
Local officials continue to issue grave warnings, with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor urging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately. “If you choose to stay, you are going to die,” Castor warned, referring to the unprecedented storm surge and wind speeds expected to hit the region.
As Milton inches closer to the Florida coast, forecasters warn that the storm may grow in size, potentially making it one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida. The National Hurricane Center said the storm’s powerful winds could extend up to 100 miles from its centre, bringing widespread devastation across the state.
With homes and businesses at risk of severe flooding and wind damage, Floridians are preparing for what could be the worst storm in more than 100 years. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to assist those who remain in the storm’s path, and federal authorities have mobilized 7,000 personnel to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.
Brits in Florida have been warned to “stay away” by local residents who are struggling to evacuate. Some, like a couple from Essex who were heading to Orlando, faced backlash online for continuing their travel plans in the midst of the hurricane warnings. “We’ve got our own people to worry about,” one frustrated Floridian responded on social media.
As the hours tick down, the people of Florida face a terrifying reality: Hurricane Milton is set to be a life-or-death event for many as it makes its devastating approach.
Key points:
- Hurricane Milton is expected to bring up to 15 feet of storm surge and 155 mph winds.
- Florida residents were given a dire “flee or die” warning as evacuations intensified.
- Stranded British tourists face flight cancellations as airports in the state begin shutting down.
- Thousands of people are stuck in traffic, and gas stations are running dry as they try to escape.
- Local officials are urging people in Milton’s path to evacuate immediately, with storm surges expected to devastate low-lying areas like Tampa.
This storm is shaping up to be one of the worst in Florida’s history, and as it looms closer, officials warn: “This is the real deal.
