Florida’s Storm-Battered Gulf Coast Raced Against Time to Prepare for Hurricane Milton
Florida’s storm-battered Gulf Coast is racing against time to pick up debris left over from Hurricane Helene two weeks ago and to evacuate people ahead of the powerful Hurricane Milton. The centre of Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay region, which has not faced a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century.
The National Hurricane Center has warned of a possible 8- to 12-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay, which is the highest ever predicted for the region and nearly double the levels reached during Helene. The storm could also bring widespread flooding, with 5 to 10 inches of rain expected in mainland Florida and the Keys, and up to 15 inches in some areas.
“This is the real deal here with Milton,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said it is imperative for debris from Helene to be cleared ahead of Milton’s arrival so it cannot become projectiles. More than 300 vehicles gathered debris on Sunday.
Why did Milton Intensify so Fast?
Milton’s wind speed increased by 92 mph in 24 hours, a pace that trails only those of Hurricanes Wilma and Felix. One reason Milton strengthened so rapidly is its small “pinhole eye,” just like Wilma’s, said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. The storm will likely go through what’s called an “eye wall replacement cycle,” a natural process that forms a new eye and expands the storm in size but weakens its wind speeds.
Widespread Cancellations in Florida and Mexico
With the storm approaching, schools in Pinellas County, home to St. Petersburg, have been converted into shelters. Airports in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando plan to close. Walt Disney World is operating normally for the time being.
In Mexico, Yucatan state Gov. Joaquín Díaz has ordered the cancellation of all non-essential activities except for grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, and gas stations starting Monday. Mexican officials have organized buses to evacuate residents from the coastal city of Progreso.
Conclusion
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As Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast, the people of Florida and Mexico are facing a daunting challenge. The storm’s powerful winds and storm surge have the potential to cause widespread destruction and flooding. With the memories of Hurricane Helene still fresh, the importance of preparing for Milton cannot be overstated.
FAQs
Q: How much rain is expected in Florida?
A: 5 to 10 inches of rain is expected in mainland Florida, and up to 15 inches in some areas.
Q: What is the expected storm surge in Tampa Bay?
A: A possible 8- to 12-foot storm surge is expected in Tampa Bay, which is the highest ever predicted for the region and nearly double the levels reached during Helene.
Q: How fast did Milton’s wind speed increase?
A: Milton’s wind speed increased by 92 mph in 24 hours, a pace that trails only those of Hurricanes Wilma and Felix.
Q: Will Walt Disney World be affected by the storm?
A: Walt Disney World plans to operate normally for the time being, but the situation will be monitored closely.
Q: How many vehicles gathered debris after Hurricane Helene?
A: More than 300 vehicles gathered debris on Sunday to help clear the way for Hurricane Milton.
