“Hurricane Milton Approaches Florida: Category Four Storm Threatens Gulf Coast”
Hurricane Milton, a “potentially catastrophic” category four storm, is barreling towards Florida’s Gulf coast, with winds reaching up to 145mph (233km/h). The storm, which has slightly weakened from a category five, is expected to make landfall in the heavily populated city of Tampa Bay on Wednesday, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck the state.
Governor Ron DeSantis has activated thousands of members of Florida’s National Guard and provided additional fuel supplies to prepare for the storm. He also announced the opening of dozens of shelters to accommodate residents in need of refuge.
The White House has canceled President Joe Biden’s planned visits to Germany and Angola to oversee preparations for Hurricane Milton and ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.
As Florida braces for the impact of Hurricane Milton, the state is facing its largest evacuation effort in years. Evacuation orders have been issued in several counties, and tolls on roads in western and central Florida have been suspended. Schools in affected areas have also been closed, and airports in Tampa and Orlando have suspended flight operations.
The National Hurricane Center has warned of life-threatening storm surges and damaging winds along Florida’s west coast, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to 15 inches (38cm) and storm surges of 10-15 feet (3-4.5m) in coastal areas.
The approach of Hurricane Milton comes as the US government warns that clean-up efforts from Hurricane Helene could take years. Over 12,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed in affected areas of Florida, and hundreds of roads remain closed, hindering relief efforts.
President Biden has ordered an additional 500 soldiers to be deployed to North Carolina, where the storm also caused devastation. The federal government has approved nearly $140 million in assistance for recovery efforts.
As Floridians prepare for the impact of Hurricane Milton, officials are urging residents to finalize their evacuation plans and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. Stay tuned for updates on the storm’s path and impact as it approaches the Sunshine State.
