Florida Prepares for Hurricane Milton’s Impact
Millions of residents in Florida are evacuating their homes as Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, heads toward the state’s west coast. Officials have stressed the urgency of evacuating, with ferocious winds expected to reach up to 165mph (270km/h).
Urgency to Evacuate: “This is the 11th Hour”
Authorities are warning those in evacuation zones to leave immediately. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized that the situation will only worsen:
“This is the 11th hour. If you’re in an evacuation zone, the time to get out is now.”
President Joe Biden has echoed these warnings, calling evacuation a matter of “life and death” as the state undergoes its largest evacuation effort in years.
FEMA’s Dire Warning
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also urged residents to evacuate, stating that Hurricane Milton would bring catastrophic winds and flooding. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed that people still have time to leave, noting, “Nobody needs to die from this storm.”
Record Storm Surge Expected
Meteorologists are predicting record-breaking storm surges as Hurricane Milton approaches the Tampa Bay area. The US National Hurricane Center has warned of a potential surge between 10-15 feet (3-5 meters), particularly near Tampa Bay and Boca Grande.
This forecast follows the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, which brought a storm surge of 7.8 feet (2.4 meters) and killed at least 225 people across six states.
Milton Downgraded but Still Dangerous
Though Hurricane Milton has been downgraded to a Category 4 storm, with winds at 155mph (250km/h), it remains extremely dangerous. The National Hurricane Center forecasts the storm to make landfall late Wednesday night near Tampa, with the final track dictating the most severe impacts.
Community Efforts to Prepare
As evacuation efforts intensify, communities across Florida are coming together to prepare for Milton’s arrival. Residents in central parts of the state, like Leonard Nugent in Champions Gate, are hunkering down and securing their homes. “It’s a real community effort,” he said, as neighbors help each other prepare by securing outdoor furniture and loose objects.
Health Risks from Flooding
Florida’s health department has issued warnings about potential infections from floodwaters, particularly the risk of exposure to Vibrio bacteria. This bacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause severe illness if ingested or if it enters the body through open wounds. Residents are advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or confusion.
Government to Decide on Further Measures
As Hurricane Milton inches closer to landfall, the BCCI and local officials are urging continued vigilance. The state is still recovering from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, and authorities are keen to prevent further loss of life and property.
