According to the most recent update, Hurricane Milton continued to strengthen as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico and into Florida. The state’s west coast is expected to see major destruction, as per the experts.
Reports add that Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 hurricane, is threatening the Tampa Bay region, which is home to over 3.3 million people, barely two weeks after the catastrophic Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Florida’s shoreline.
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Records show that this area has not been directly affected by a significant hurricane in more than a century. Furthermore, other coastal areas affected by Hurricane Helene are preparing for more devastation.
On Wednesday, people evacuated the Tampa region, which led to heavy traffic jam on the highways. Meanwhile, coastal crews worked day and night to remove the debris left behind by Helene, leading to fears that Hurricane Milton might further turn this into dangerous projectiles. As it gets closer to the Florida shore, Milton is predicted to be a “dangerous major hurricane,” according to warnings released by the National storm Centre.
Read more: 5 eco-friendly safaris: Sustainable travel in Africa’s wildernessAccording to reports, Milton will likely make a landfall in Florida’s Gulf Coast late on Wednesday or early on Thursday. To ensure the safety of people, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a warning to the public, stating that the storm may have a major effect on the state’s west coast.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden warned that Milton might be among the most damaging storms to hit Florida in a century, and cancelled a overseas trip to keep an eye on the situation. Hurricane warnings have been extended to several areas of Florida’s east coast due to the hurricane’s predicted continued strength as it moves across the state.
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The 2024 storm season has been particularly unusual, with multiple hurricanes forming rapidly. According to scientists, this season has set new records, with five hurricanes appearing between September 26 and October 6, more than double the previous record. Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified, going from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just 46.5 hours.
The Gulf Coast of Florida is particularly susceptible to storm surges, and with Milton, the highest-ever surge in Tampa Bay is expected to reach 10 to 15 feet. Authorities in Tampa have ordered residents to leave, alerting them to the serious threat. Major theme parks, like Disney World, have temporarily shuttered, and major airports, like Tampa International and Orlando International, have suspended operations.