Hurricane reaches Category 5 and puts millions in danger in Florida; understand

Hurricane Milton threatens millions in Florida; understand how the most devastating storm of the decade is approaching

O Hurricane Milton reached the maximum strength of a category 5 hurricane again this Tuesday (9), as it advances through the Gulf of Mexico towards the Floridaforcing millions of residents to accelerate preparations and evacuate vulnerable areas. THE National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued grim warnings, classifying Milton as an “extremely dangerous” threat to life on the state’s west coast, predicting its devastating winds and torrential rain to spread beyond its predicted trajectory cone. The affected areas are covered by red and orange hurricane warnings, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified on Monday, recording sustained winds of up to 180 mph (about 290 km/h). By Tuesday morning, the winds had slowed before increasing again to 165 mph (approximately 265 km/h) at night. Despite a weakening forecast as it approaches the coast on Wednesday night, experts from the NHC warn that Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes ever seen in west-central Florida. John CangialosiNHC meteorologist, reinforced this warning during an update.

The governor Ron DeSantis made a strong appeal to residents of the impacted region, stating that “time is running out” to complete the evacuation before the hurricane makes landfall. More than 1 million people have already received evacuation orders, and that number may increase as Milton looms, especially in areas that are still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago.

In Saint Petersburg, the resident Julie Bostwho suffered from devastating floods during Hurricane Idalia last year, has decided to leave his home again. With a 3-month-old baby at the time of the last storm, her home suffered extensive damage. US$ 65.000. “I told my husband I couldn’t go through another flood,” Julie confessed to the network USA TODAY.

Development of the storm

On Tuesday night, Milton was located at 440 miles (about 700 km) southwest of Tampamoving to 10 mph (16 km/h) to the northeast. The NHC expects the storm to bring rainfall between 5 to 12 inches (12 to 30 cm), with isolated areas receiving up to 18 inches (45 cm) until Thursday. These torrential rains pose a significant risk of fatal flooding.

Additionally, the US Department of Health has stated public health emergency in Florida, anticipating the need for widespread medical assistance following the hurricane’s passage. The president Joe Biden also declared a state of disaster, allowing the sending of 100 rescuers and ensuring flexibility in the services provided to beneficiaries of the Medicare e Medicaid.

mass exodus

With evacuation orders in effect, many Floridians face long traffic queues as they try to escape the storm. In Fort Valley, Georgia, the gas station Buc-ee’s was full of families evacuating the region of Clearwater. Angelina Stow20, traveled with her mother and her two dogs to a hotel in Georgia, after finding no vacancies in closer locations. “We are scared, we don’t know what to expect,” she said.

A Universal Orlando and the Walt Disney World announced temporary closures, planning to resume activities only after the storm. DeSantis reinforced the urgent need for evacuation, warning that even those in regions further away from the coast need to follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure their safety.

State preparations

In response to the storm, the Florida National Guard mobilized 8,000 soldierswhile fuel trucks are escorted by Florida Highway Patrol to supply gas stations. Electrician truckshailing from as far away as California, are ready to restore power as soon as Milton passes through. DeSantis said this is “probably the largest National Guard mobilization in state history before a storm.”

Resident resistance and emotional reports

Some residents, like Joe Malinowski54, decided to remain in their homes or boats despite calls from authorities to evacuate. “God is protecting me,” said Malinowski, who lives on a boat in Tampa since March. He recalls that he slept peacefully during Hurricane Helene and believes he will emerge unscathed this time.

Furthermore, a small plane, which was evacuating people, crashed into Tampa Baybut all passengers were rescued safely. Three of the four occupants were taken to hospital.

Preparation of large cities

Marco Islandsouth of Naples, issued mandatory evacuation orders, with shelters opening across the state to shelter residents in hot spots. The governor DeSantis declared that the state has never been better prepared for a storm, with tens of thousands of electricians and resources ready to act immediately after Milton passed.

Meanwhile, hurricane expert John Morales couldn’t hold back the tears when discussing the seriousness of the situation live on a TV show. His emotion reflects the anguish of many in the face of the impending catastrophe.

Hurricane Milton, which could be one of the most destructive storms in recent Florida history, continues to threaten millions of lives. The intensity of the storm, combined with the state’s already shaken infrastructure, puts the entire region on high alert. Local and federal authorities are working tirelessly to mitigate the damage, but it is crucial that people follow evacuation orders to avoid an even greater tragedy.

With the hurricane still gaining strength, it remains to be seen what final impact it will leave on Florida.

With information from USA Today*