Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a Category 2 storm and is forecast to reach Category 4 before making landfall in Florida on Wednesday. Florida officials are preparing for potentially severe impacts, including significant evacuations and storm surges, while urging residents to replenish their supplies and stay informed.
On Sunday evening, Hurricane Milton gained intensity in the Gulf of Mexico, initially classified as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds reaching 85 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). By the 5 a.m. report on Monday, it had been upgraded to a Category 2 storm. Forecasts suggest that Milton could escalate to a Category 4 hurricane by late Monday night, maintaining that strength through Tuesday before slightly weakening on Wednesday as it approaches Florida’s coast. The anticipated landfall location is Madeira Beach in Pinellas County on Wednesday at approximately 5 p.m. Governor Ron DeSantis has emphasized the potential severity of Milton, predicting that it may qualify as a major hurricane upon impact, with storm surges potentially surpassing those experienced during Hurricane Helene, which struck the region in late September. Preparations are underway as Florida officials brace for the most significant evacuation plan since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Kevin Guthrie, the executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, stated that the state has been monitoring Milton for the past fortnight. A state of emergency was declared for 35 counties on Saturday, later extending to 51 counties on Sunday evening. Residents have been advised to stock up on essential supplies, including gasoline and non-perishable food items. In response to the anticipated challenges, 800 members of the National Guard are already engaged in debris clearance from Hurricane Helene, with an additional 4,000 guardsmen set to assist following Milton’s passage. Six hundred ambulances are on standby to provide emergency support. With an additional weather system contributing 2 to 5 inches of rain across Florida this weekend, the impending arrival of Milton raised concerns regarding flooding, with total rainfall potentially exceeding 10 inches. In Washington, President Joe Biden received updates regarding Hurricane Milton’s trajectory and its likely impacts, as emergency services continue to prepare for the storm’s arrival. The NHC urges coastal residents to develop hurricane response plans and remain vigilant as the forecasted conditions develop.
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting urgent preparations in Florida where officials anticipate significant impacts akin to previous hurricanes. With potential wind speeds reaching Category 4 status, the state is implementing extensive evacuation measures, drawing from experiences during Hurricane Irma. The severity of the storm surge and rainfall intensifies the urgency for residents to prepare. Emergency management agencies are mobilizing resources, including National Guard personnel and ambulances, to respond effectively to Milton’s impact, ensuring that the state is ready to assist those affected.
In summary, Hurricane Milton poses a significant threat to Florida’s west coast, expected to reach major hurricane status upon landfall. State officials have escalated emergency measures, including widespread evacuations and extensive resource mobilization, in anticipation of severe impacts related to storm surge and excessive rainfall. Authorities continue to urge residents to prepare adequately as conditions evolve.
Original Source: 6abc.com
