Hurricane Milton/ Florida evacuation/ Tampa Bay storm surge/ Florida hurricane preparedness/ storm warnings/ Hurricane Helene aftermath/ Newslooks/ TAMPA/ Fla./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, threatens Florida’s west coast, prompting widespread evacuations. The storm, forecast to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday, is expected to bring devastating storm surges, intense rainfall, and the potential for flash flooding. Authorities warn those staying behind that rescues may be impossible.
Florida’s Urgent Evacuations as Hurricane Milton Nears – Quick Looks
- Storm Threat: Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, approaches Florida’s west coast.
- Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations are underway across 11 Florida counties.
- Major Concerns: Heavy rain, flash flooding, and storm surges up to 15 feet.
- Rescue Limitations: Authorities warn that emergency rescues may be impossible.
- Recent Damage: Communities still struggle after Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
Time Runs Out: Florida Braces for Hurricane Milton
Deep Look
As Hurricane Milton rapidly approaches Florida, its strength and trajectory signal potential devastation for the state’s west coast. The Category 5 storm, which may slightly weaken before landfall, poses severe risks for Florida’s densely populated Tampa Bay region, marking what could be the area’s first direct hurricane strike in over a century.
Forecasts indicate that Milton will hit land between late Wednesday and early Thursday, bringing life-threatening rain, storm surges, and potential tornadoes across central and southern parts of the state. The National Hurricane Center warns that Milton could rank among the most destructive hurricanes in west-central Florida history, even if it downgrades to a Category 4.
As of early Wednesday, the hurricane was centered 300 miles southwest of Tampa, carrying maximum sustained winds of 160 mph while advancing northeast at 14 mph. Forecasters predict it will accelerate slightly through the day before making landfall. The exact landfall location remains uncertain, though the trajectory has recently shifted south of Tampa, heightening concerns for nearby communities.
In anticipation of Milton’s impact, evacuation orders are in place for 11 counties covering nearly 6 million residents. Highways and gas stations across Florida are crowded with residents attempting last-minute evacuations, though officials warn time is running out. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the critical danger of staying put, with storm surges forecasted at 15 feet, capable of submerging homes.
Some residents, however, have chosen to remain. Scott Joiner, a Punta Gorda resident still recovering from Hurricane Helene, plans to stay in his elevated New Orleans-style home, despite lingering flood damage and sightings of bull sharks in flooded streets. Similarly, Martin Oakes of Apollo Beach, waiting in line for fuel on Tuesday, expressed confidence in his storm-prepared home, opting to stay with his family.
Others, affected by recent storms, are taking no chances. Punta Gorda resident Evan Purcell, who sustained significant damage during Hurricane Helene, prepared to evacuate, securing his father’s ashes and attempting to gather his cat. Helene left his home with thousands in repair costs, and Purcell fears Milton could inflict even more destruction.
In preparation for Milton, Florida’s state and local governments have prioritized debris removal to prevent it from becoming airborne during high winds. Governor Ron DeSantis reported the deployment of 300 dump trucks that have cleared 1,300 loads of debris statewide, aiming to mitigate hazards and ease the storm’s aftermath.
Meanwhile, the storm’s impact extended to Mexico, where it passed by the Yucatan Peninsula earlier, causing power outages and damaging light structures. Yucatan Governor Joaquín Díaz reported minor damage, with no reported casualties.
As Milton draws closer, authorities are stressing the need for immediate evacuation and preparation, warning that those remaining will likely need to endure the storm on their own, as first responders may not be able to reach them in time. With risks of flash floods, river surges, and tornadoes, Florida’s west coast communities brace for what could be one of the state’s most severe storms in recent memory.
