Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, is heading towards Florida’s Gulf Coast, prompting massive evacuation orders. This comes just a week after Hurricane Helene hit Florida, leaving the state still recovering.
Milton’s Path and Current Forecast
Storm Overview
As of Tuesday morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported:
- Location: About 130 miles northeast of Progreso, Mexico, and 520 miles southwest of Tampa.
- Wind Speed: Sustained winds of 150 mph.
- Movement: Heading east-northeast at 9 mph.
NHC forecasts that Milton could make landfall near Tampa on Wednesday evening. It is expected to stay a Category 4 storm, with the potential to strengthen again before reaching land.
Potential Impact on Florida
- Destructive Storm Surge: Florida’s west coast is expected to experience a severe storm surge.
- Heavy Rainfall: 5-10 inches of rain are expected across the Florida Peninsula, with up to 15 inches in some areas.
- Evacuation Orders: 51 counties in Florida are under a state of emergency, and evacuations have been ordered in 11 counties.
Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that Milton is “still a major hurricane,” despite its recent downgrade from Category 5.
Warnings and Watches
Hurricane Warnings
A hurricane warning indicates expected hurricane conditions in the following areas:
- Mexico: Celestún to Rio Lagartos
- Florida: West coast from Bonita Beach to Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay
- East Coast: Indian River/St. Lucie “Ponte Vedra Beach.”
Hurricane Watches
A hurricane watch, signaling possible hurricane conditions, has been issued for:
- Florida: Chokoloskee to south of Bonita Beach, Dry Tortugas, and Lake Okeechobee
- Mexico: Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche
Tropical Storm Warnings
These warnings cover areas where tropical storm conditions are expected soon:
- Florida: West coast from Flamingo to Indian Pass, Florida Keys, and Lake Okeechobee
- Mexico: Rio Lagartos to Cancún
- East Coast: From St. Lucie County to Flamingo and from Ponte Vedra Beach to the St. Mary’s River
Storm Surge Warnings
Dangerous storm surge conditions are expected for:
- Florida’s West Coast: From Flamingo to Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor
- East Coast: From the Volusia/Brevard County line to the St. Mary’s River
Evacuation Orders
Mandatory Evacuations
Florida has ordered mandatory evacuations from specific counties.
Voluntary Evacuations
Voluntary evacuations are in effect for:
- Dixie, Glades, Miami-Dade, and Okeechobee.
Gov. DeSantis has urged residents to follow evacuation orders, stressing that they don’t need to travel far to stay safe.
Recent Hurricane Activity and FEMA Concerns
Hurricane Season Update
This hurricane season has seen above-average activity, with Hurricane Milton becoming the 13th named storm. FEMA has expressed concerns about its resources, as it continues to assist areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has warned that additional funding may be needed.
Additional Reading
- For more on Hurricane Helene’s impact and the implications of hurricanes in the age of climate change, see Yahoo News.
Sources
Hurricane Milton is expected to impact millions in the Gulf region. Residents are encouraged to take precautions, follow local updates, and be prepared for possible evacuation.