Recent News on Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton, now classified as a Category 5 storm, is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, potentially causing catastrophic damage. The storm is anticipated to strike the Central Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday night, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and a storm surge that could rise to 10-15 feet in some areas.
Residents are racing against time to evacuate, with authorities warning that those who stay in evacuation areas will be at risk of death. The city of Treasure Island has become a ‘ghost town’ as most residents have evacuated. Approximately one in six gas stations in Florida has run out of fuel, and major airlines have implemented fare caps and increased flight options to assist with evacuations.
The storm’s path remains uncertain, but its tropical storm-force winds are projected to extend up to 230 miles from its center, potentially affecting the entire width of Florida’s peninsula. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected, with some regions potentially receiving between 2 to 12 inches of rainfall.
Local authorities have enacted curfews and taken precautionary measures to prepare for the storm, including removing traffic signal boxes and restricting access to potable water. Many of Florida’s major tourist attractions have closed, including all four of Walt Disney World’s primary theme parks.
