Hurricane Milton strengthens to category 5, threatens Florida

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is rapidly intensifying toward Florida, threatening the west-central region. The National Hurricane Center reported on Monday evening that Milton had "explosively" strengthened, with wind speeds increasing by 90 mph in 25 hours. The escalation has alarmed forecasters, warning that the storm could be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for the area.

Category 5 Hurricane Milton threatens Florida

Milton is expected to approach Florida's coastline late Wednesday, bringing "devastating hurricane-force winds" and heavy rainfall. The hurricane, with winds of 165 mph, is likely to weaken slightly before landfall but grow in size, threatening a significant portion of Florida.

Hurricane Milton's rapid intensification is attributed to the Gulf of Mexico's unusually warm waters. The hurricane's rapid strength gain surprised experts. John Morales, a hurricane specialist with NBC 6 South Florida, expressed shock during a broadcast, calling Milton "an incredible, incredible hurricane" and labelling it "horrific."

Milton is now one of the fastest-intensifying storms on record, with sustained winds of 180 mph. It joins a list of extreme weather events in the Atlantic region, including Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of Florida two weeks ago.

Florida has begun large-scale evacuations for Milton’s landfall. Lee, Hillsborough, and Sarasota counties issued mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable areas near Tampa Bay. Storm surges of up to 15 feet are expected, increasing the risk of severe flooding.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to heed evacuation orders and prepare for the worst. "This is a serious storm," he said, highlighting the ongoing cleanup from Hurricane Helene. Debris from the previous hurricane could become hazardous during Milton's high winds.

Tampa flights, schools, events cancelled

Due to an approaching storm, Tampa Bay International Airport will halt flights starting Tuesday morning. Over 20 counties have closed schools, and universities like the University of Florida have cancelled classes for the week. The Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game and Buccaneers football practices have also been postponed.

On Monday, President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts. Federal resources are being deployed to assist with evacuations and emergency preparedness.

The government is preparing extensive relief efforts as Milton threatens damage to a state recovering from recent storms. Gas stations in Tampa Bay reported shortages and long lines as residents prepare for the hurricane. Governor DeSantis acknowledged the difficulties in meeting high demand but assured that additional fuel supplies were arriving.

Tampa braces for flooding disaster

Hurricane Milton is expected to hit near Tampa, Florida, by Wednesday. Forecasters predict storm surges of 12 to 15 feet and up to 15 inches of rain, raising concerns of flash flooding and destruction. Residents are bracing for strong winds and flooding that could devastate homes and infrastructure.

Hillsborough County, including Tampa, has ordered evacuations for coastal areas and mobile homes. Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the situation’s seriousness, urging residents to heed evacuation warnings. Lifeguards and cleanup crews are removing debris that could become airborne and cause additional damage during the storm.

Milton’s rapid intensification is partly due to its small size and warm Gulf of Mexico waters. It may weaken slightly before landfall, but it remains a highly dangerous hurricane capable of widespread destruction.

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