Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds, posing a major threat to Florida’s Gulf Coast, including densely populated areas like Tampa and Orlando.
The storm is forecast to make landfall in the Tampa Bay region on Wednesday, bringing with it the danger of a life-threatening storm surge and potentially triggering mass evacuations.
UPDATED STORY HERE: Hurricane Milton Now A Massive Category 4 Storm, Winds Of 150 MPH As It Eyes Florida
Hurricane Milton intensified into a major Category 3 hurricane Monday, prompting Florida to brace for what could be its largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017. With maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, Milton is churning towards Florida’s Gulf Coast, posing a serious threat to population centers like Tampa and Orlando.
The storm’s projected path suggests a Wednesday landfall in the Tampa Bay area, followed by a trek across central Florida and into the Atlantic. This trajectory would largely spare the southeastern states still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Read: Pinellas County Orders Mandatory Evacuations For Healthcare Facilities, Affecting 6,600 Patients
Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the state of emergency to 51 counties and warned residents to prepare for significant impacts, including power outages, flooding, and potential evacuations. “If you’re on that west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you’ll be asked to leave,” DeSantis stated.
Emergency management officials are urging residents to finalize their hurricane plans, secure supplies, and heed evacuation orders. Lessons learned from past storms, including Irma, have prompted the state to stage emergency fuel and charging stations along evacuation routes to aid those fleeing the storm.
This is the first time since September that the Atlantic has seen three simultaneous hurricanes, highlighting the intensity of this hurricane season. The Tampa Bay area, still recovering from Hurricane Helene’s storm surge and flooding, is now facing another major threat.
Schools in Pinellas County have been closed, and the city of Tampa has opened parking garages to residents seeking to protect their vehicles from potential floodwaters.
Read: Pasco County Opening Hurricane Shelters Monday At Noon
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida is mobilizing resources, including National Guard troops, to prepare for the storm’s impact and assist with debris removal in its aftermath. FEMA is also coordinating resources and has already provided substantial aid in response to Hurricane Helene.
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