
Evacuations Ordered as Florida Faces Hurricane Milton’s Threat
Florida is preparing for a second natural disaster in less than a month as Hurricane Milton intensifies and nears the state’s western coast. Expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay on October 9, 2024, the hurricane follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread destruction across the U.S. eastern coast in late September. Milton, currently categorized as a hurricane with sustained winds of 85 mph, has prompted the state’s largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Emergency officials are urging residents in vulnerable areas to leave, especially in low-lying regions like Anna Maria Island, where mandatory evacuations have been issued. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the potential for increased damage due to debris left from Hurricane Helene, noting that power outages and storm surges could be more severe this time. The Miami-based U.S. National Hurricane Center predicts significant flooding along the Gulf Coast.
While Florida prepares, Mexico has also been placed under a hurricane watch for its northern coastline. Meanwhile, recovery efforts from Helene are ongoing, with President Joe Biden deploying more military personnel to assist affected states. Damage from the back-to-back storms is expected to run into billions, making it a critical period for the region’s disaster management capabilities.
Recent Comments: