Hurricane Milton threatens Florida: Could be the most devastating storm in a century | 10 key developments
PTC News Desk: Hurricane Milton, which has rapidly intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, reached Category 5 status before being downgraded to Category 4. As it approaches Florida, forecasters from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) have warned that it could become one of the most destructive hurricanes ever recorded for west-central Florida. With sustained winds currently reaching 165 mph, the storm poses a significant threat to an area still recovering from previous hurricanes.
Latest Developments on Hurricane Milton
Here are the latest updates on Hurricane Milton as it threatens millions of lives and could lead to extensive property damage.
1. Second-Strongest Gulf Hurricane: Milton has officially become the second-strongest hurricane to form in the Gulf of Mexico, following Hurricane Rita in 2005. Experts anticipate that as the storm approaches Florida, it could intensify further, potentially reaching winds of up to 180 mph. Heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions are expected in its wake.
The storm’s rapid intensification from Category 2 to Category 5 in a matter of hours has raised concerns. According to the NHC, any potential weakening will depend on eyewall replacement cycles, but the system is likely to grow larger as it approaches land.
2. Florida Braces for Impact : Expected to make landfall on Wednesday, Hurricane Milton poses a grave threat to Florida. The NHC warns, “Milton is anticipated to grow in size and remain an extremely dangerous hurricane upon approaching the state’s west coast.” A large area is expected to experience destructive storm surges, making this a life-threatening situation for residents.
Authorities have urged those in affected areas to heed evacuation orders immediately.
3. Tampa Bay Faces Significant Risk: The National Hurricane Center reported that Milton has maximum sustained winds of 270 kph (approximately 165 mph) and is located about 1,015 km southwest of Tampa Bay. Hillsborough County, which includes the city of Tampa, has ordered evacuations for vulnerable areas, particularly mobile homes.
Forecasts suggest that Tampa could experience a deadly storm surge of 10 to 15 feet, along with other coastal communities, compounding the danger posed by the storm.
4. Traffic Jams and Evacuations: As residents comply with evacuation orders, southbound lanes of Florida’s highways are congested with traffic. Many are fleeing north toward the Florida Panhandle, while others head to safer locations like Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Despite the arrival of fuel supplies in Florida, many gas stations in the Fort Myers and Tampa areas ran out of gas by Monday morning.
5. Dire Warnings from Local Officials: Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor issued a stark warning to residents in advance of Hurricane Milton’s arrival. During an interview on CNN, she stated, “If you choose to stay … you are going to die,” highlighting the potential catastrophic consequences of the hurricane.
6. Federal Support and Preparations: The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the storm’s developments and the government is ready to support affected communities. Emergency measures are being coordinated with state and local agencies to prepare for Milton’s arrival.
Biden also approved an emergency declaration for Florida, enabling FEMA to oversee disaster relief efforts. The White House emphasised that FEMA has adequate funding to support response efforts for both Hurricane Milton and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene.
7. Airport and Transport Closures: In anticipation of the storm, several airports have announced temporary closures. Tampa International Airport is set to suspend operations starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will do the same.
8. Mass Evacuations in Mexico: In Mexico, authorities have initiated mass evacuations in anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s impact. Tourists and residents are evacuating from low-lying islands like Holbox, which could be among the first areas affected by the hurricane before it reaches Florida. Schools in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, are being converted into relief shelters, while airports in the region, including Orlando, are shutting down.
Yucatan State Governor Joaquín Díaz has ordered the suspension of non-essential activities, allowing only grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, and gas stations to operate normally.
Understanding the Pinhole Eye Phenomenon
Experts believe that Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification can be attributed to its exceptionally small “pinhole eye.”
Smaller eye formations in hurricanes often lead to greater intensity because they reduce the area for wind to lose kinetic energy. Milton’s eye measured just 3 miles across, with its air pressure dropping to 897 millibars, making it the fifth most intense storm ever recorded in the Atlantic basin.
As Hurricane Milton continues on its path toward Florida, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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