According to the most recent update, Hurricane Milton continued to strengthen as it crossed the Gulf of Mexico and entered Florida. The state's west coast is expected to see significant destruction, experts say.
Reports add that Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 hurricane, threatens the Tampa Bay region, home to more than 3.3 million people, just two weeks after the catastrophic Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the Florida coastline.
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Records show that this area has not been directly impacted by a major hurricane in over a century. Additionally, other coastal areas affected by Hurricane Helene are bracing for more devastation.
People evacuated the Tampa area on Wednesday, leading to heavy traffic jams on highways. Meanwhile, coastal crews worked day and night to remove debris left behind by Helene, raising fears that Hurricane Milton could turn it further into dangerous projectiles. As it approaches the coast of Florida, Milton is expected to become a “dangerous major hurricane,” according to warnings issued by the National Storm Center.
Learn more: 5 Eco-Friendly Safaris: Sustainable Travel in the African WildernessAccording to reports, Milton will likely make landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast Wednesday evening or early Thursday. To keep people safe, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a warning to the public, saying the storm could have a major effect on the state's west coast.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden warned that Milton could be one of the most devastating storms to hit Florida in a century and canceled an overseas trip to keep an eye on the situation. Hurricane warnings have been extended to several areas of Florida's east coast due to the expected continued strength of the hurricane as it moves across the state.
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The 2024 storm season has been particularly unusual, with several hurricanes forming rapidly. According to scientists, this season set new records, with five hurricanes appearing between September 26 and October 6, more than double the previous record. Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just 46.5 hours.
Florida's Gulf Coast is particularly susceptible to storm surge, and along with Milton, the highest surge ever recorded in Tampa Bay is expected to reach 10 to 15 feet. Tampa authorities ordered residents to leave, alerting them to the serious threat. Major theme parks, like Disney World, have temporarily closed and major airports, like Tampa International and Orlando International, have suspended operations.
