Florida Faces Major Evacuation as Hurricane Milton Approaches
As Hurricane Milton intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is bracing for its largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has upgraded Milton to a hurricane, predicting it will make landfall on Wednesday as a major hurricane, likely impacting the Tampa Bay area. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 51 counties, emphasizing the urgency for residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.
The storm is expected to bring significant risks, including a potentially catastrophic storm surge, especially in regions already devastated by Hurricane Helene. Kevin Guthrie, director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, highlighted the necessity of evacuation, urging residents to heed warnings, as more than 500,000 individuals are under mandatory evacuation orders.
With Hurricane Milton packing maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour and moving towards Florida, officials are particularly concerned about the debris left from Hurricane Helene, which could exacerbate damage from Milton. Pinellas County has already initiated evacuation procedures for hospitals and nursing homes, ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations. Schools in the area have been closed from Monday to Wednesday to prioritize the safety of students and staff.
In addition to the immediate threat posed by Hurricane Milton, the state is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant destruction and loss of life. Emergency services are on high alert as they prepare for the impact of this new storm, which may lead to prolonged recovery efforts in the region.
