Florida Prepares for Category 5 Hurricane Milton After Helene’s Devastation
BELLEAIR BEACH, Fla — Florida’s Gulf Coast is bracing for another major storm as Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 5 hurricane, approaches. Residents are racing to clean up debris left behind by Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago. Meanwhile, highways are clogged with evacuating residents ahead of the storm’s expected landfall on Wednesday.
The eye of Hurricane Milton is projected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area, which hasn’t seen a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century. Despite expectations that the storm may weaken slightly before landfall, it’s expected to retain hurricane strength as it moves across central Florida and into the Atlantic. While the storm is predicted to spare other states still recovering from Helene’s devastation, the impact on Florida could be severe, with storm surges as high as 12 feet in some areas.
“This is the real deal here with Milton,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of clearing debris left by Helene to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles during Milton. On Sunday, more than 300 vehicles were deployed to clear storm debris, but many areas still have not been cleared.
Evacuations and Storm Surge Warnings Issued
Evacuation orders were issued across Florida’s west coast, with forecasters warning of potential storm surges up to 12 feet in the Tampa Bay area. The storm could also bring significant flooding, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to 15 inches in some areas. The Tampa metro area, home to more than 3.3 million people, is particularly vulnerable due to its lack of recent experience with hurricanes of this magnitude.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology meteorology professor Kerry Emanuel warned that Tampa is highly exposed and inexperienced in dealing with major storms. “It’s a huge population, and that’s a losing proposition,” Emanuel said.
In preparation for the storm, lifeguards in Pinellas County are removing items from beaches that could become airborne in the high winds. However, some residents are frustrated by the slow pace of debris collection. Sarah Steslicki of Belleair Beach expressed concern that uncollected debris could turn into dangerous missiles during the storm.
Emergency Declaration and Large-Scale Evacuations
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida, mobilizing 7,000 federal workers to assist with storm preparation and recovery efforts. This large-scale mobilization is one of the biggest in recent U.S. history.
With memories of the chaotic evacuations during 2017’s Hurricane Irma still fresh, residents across Florida have begun evacuating in large numbers. Interstate 75, a key evacuation route, has seen heavy traffic as residents flee north toward the Florida Panhandle. In some areas, gas stations have already run out of fuel, though the state continues to amass large quantities of gasoline and diesel to meet demand.
Candice Briggs, a Tampa Bay resident whose home was flooded by Helene, was forced to evacuate again before she could even finish cleaning up. “Most of the tears I’ve cried have been out of exhaustion or gratitude,” she said. “But I am overwhelmed and exhausted.”
Milton’s Rapid Intensification
Hurricane Milton intensified rapidly over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with wind speeds increasing by 92 mph in just 24 hours. This rapid intensification was fueled by unusually warm waters in the Gulf and an extra-warm eddy that boosted the storm’s strength.
Scientists expect the storm to undergo an “eye wall replacement cycle,” which could reduce wind speeds slightly while expanding the storm’s size. Still, the storm remains extremely dangerous, with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph.
Florida and Mexico Brace for Impact
Schools in Pinellas County are being converted into shelters, while airports in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando are preparing to close. Walt Disney World is continuing to monitor the situation but remains open for now.
In Mexico, which is also expected to be impacted by the storm, Yucatan state officials have canceled all nonessential activities and organized evacuations from coastal areas. Holbox Island, a popular tourist destination, is one of the areas most at risk.
As Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton, the state faces the challenge of dealing with two major storms in quick succession. With widespread evacuations and emergency preparations underway, residents are hoping to avoid the catastrophic damage seen during Hurricane Helene.