Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 5 storm, is heading towards Florida’s west coast. Over 5.5 million people have been told to leave coastal areas. This is one of the biggest evacuations in Florida’s history.
The National Hurricane Center says Milton’s winds can reach 160 mph. The Tampa Bay area could see storm surges of up to 15 feet. This could cause a lot of damage.
The storm is set to hit late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. The Tampa Bay area could face widespread destruction. Eleven Florida counties, with nearly 6 million people, have been ordered to evacuate.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities are moving patients and getting ready for the storm. Officials say this is the biggest evacuation Florida has ever seen.
Key Takeaways
- Hurricane Milton is a powerful Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph as it approaches Florida’s west coast.
- More than 5.5 million people have been ordered to evacuate coastal regions, making it one of the largest evacuations in Florida’s history.
- The storm is expected to make landfall between 2am and 6am local time on Thursday, with the possibility of catastrophic storm surge up to 15 feet in the Tampa Bay area.
- Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for 11 Florida counties, home to nearly 6 million residents, as authorities warn of an “extremely life-threatening situation.”
- Health care facilities on Florida’s Gulf Coast are evacuating patients and preparing to stay open through the storm, described as the “largest evacuation ever” for the state.
Hurricane Milton Batters Mexico Before Heading Towards US
Video footage shows Hurricane Milton’s impact on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It shows massive waves and knee-deep floodwater. This shows the storm’s power as it moves towards the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center says Milton could be very destructive in west-central Florida. It warns of catastrophic storm surge and flooding. This has led to mandatory evacuations in the Tampa Bay area and other coastal regions. The storm is expected to hit late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
Relentless Onslaught in Mexico’s Yucatan
The video from Mexico’s Yucatan shows the storm’s fury. Huge waves hit the coast, and streets are flooded knee-deep. The winds knocked down power lines, light poles, and trees, leaving many without power.
Meteorologists are watching Milton closely as it gets stronger. It has reached category 5 with winds of 160 mph. People in the affected areas are told to evacuate quickly to save their lives and property.
“Hurricane Milton is potentially one of the worst storms to hit Florida in 100 years. I’m urging everyone in the affected areas to evacuate immediately – this is a matter of life and death.”
– President Joe Biden
Connection Between Global Warming and Colossal Power of Storms
Hurricane Milton quickly grew from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just over a day. Meteorologist John Morales pointed out the clear link between global warming and stronger storms. Morales, with 33 years of hurricane reporting, was visibly moved by the storm’s drop in atmospheric pressure.
Morales said warmer sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were key. These temperatures are 2-3 degrees Celsius higher than 20th century averages. The link between global warming and the colossal power of future storms is now considered undisputed by climate scientists.
“Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just over a day is a testament to the connection between global warming and the increasing power of storms,” said Morales.
As the planet warms due to human-caused climate change, meteorologists warn of more intense hurricanes. These storms will pose a greater threat to coastal communities.
Warmer Waters Fuel Storm Strength
The Gulf of Mexico’s warmer sea surface temperatures were a major factor in Milton’s growth, Morales said. Warmer oceans absorb more heat, giving hurricanes more energy.
This trend is expected to get worse. Climate scientists predict more frequent and destructive hurricanes in the future.
hurricane milton landfall time
The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Milton will hit Florida’s west coast between 2am and 6am on Thursday. It will be a major hurricane, with storm surges up to 15 feet in Tampa Bay.
People in evacuation zones need to leave now. Tampa Bay, with over 3.3 million people, could see a lot of damage from the storm.
Evacuation Orders and Preparations
More than 5.5 million people have left their homes in Florida. Eleven counties have mandatory evacuations. These include Charlotte, Citrus, and Hillsborough.
Other counties have voluntary evacuations. Tampa Bay is expected to face the worst, with storm surges up to 15 feet. This has led to mandatory evacuations for over 5.5 million people.
County | Mandatory Evacuation | Voluntary Evacuation |
---|---|---|
Charlotte | Yes | No |
Citrus | Yes | No |
Collier | Yes | No |
Hillsborough | Yes | No |
Hernando | Yes | No |
Lee | Yes | No |
Levy | Yes | No |
Manatee | Yes | No |
Pasco | Yes | No |
Pinellas | Yes | No |
Sarasota | Yes | No |
Glades | No | Yes |
Okeechobee | No | Yes |
Dixie | No | Yes |
Hardee | No | Yes |
Miami-Dade | No | Yes |
Union | No | Yes |
Tampa’s mayor, Jane Castor, says those who don’t evacuate are risking their lives. She calls the situation extremely dangerous.
“Those who refuse to evacuate are risking their lives. This is an extremely dangerous situation, and I urge everyone in the mandatory evacuation zones to leave immediately.”
– Jane Castor, Tampa Mayor
Tracking Hurricane Milton’s Path and Strength
Hurricane Milton is now a powerful Category 5 storm, with winds of 160 mph. It’s moving towards Florida’s west coast. The National Hurricane Center says it’s about 300 miles southwest of Tampa, heading northeast at 12 mph.
The Tampa Bay area is in danger, and people living by the coast must leave. There’s a big risk of storm surge and flooding. Experts predict Milton will stay a major hurricane when it hits late Wednesday or early Thursday.
The storm’s quick growth shows how global warming affects storms. Warmer waters in the Gulf of Mexico have made Milton stronger. This trend will likely get worse as climate change impacts increase.
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
Hurricane Category | Category 5 |
Maximum Sustained Winds | 160 mph |
Location | 300 miles southwest of Tampa |
Movement | Northeastward at 12 mph |
Landfall Time | Late Wednesday or early Thursday |
Storm Surge Forecast | Up to 15 feet |
The Tampa Bay area is getting ready for Hurricane Milton. It’s important for everyone to follow evacuation orders and find safe places. The storm’s strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge are very dangerous.
Mandatory Evacuations Ordered for Millions in Florida
Over 5.5 million people in Florida’s coastal areas must leave due to Hurricane Milton. This includes 11 counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hillsborough, Hernando, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota.
Tampa mayor Jane Castor warns that staying in these zones is deadly. The storm could bring 10 to 12 feet of storm surge. Officials urge everyone to leave now to stay safe.
Key Evacuation Details:
- More than 5.5 million people have been ordered to evacuate coastal regions in Florida, creating one of the largest evacuations in the state’s history.
- Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for 11 counties, including Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hillsborough, Hernando, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota.
- Voluntary evacuation orders are in place for Glades, Okeechobee, Dixie, Hardee, Miami-Dade, and Union counties.
- Populations of approximately 11.4 million are under hurricane warnings in Florida.
- Around 5.5 million people have been urged to evacuate western Florida.
The US National Weather Service says Hurricane Milton could be very destructive in west-central Florida. The storm is expected to hit between 2 am and 6 am local time. Everyone in the evacuation zones must leave now to stay safe.
Health Care Facilities Prepare for Hurricane Milton’s Impact
Hospitals and health care facilities in Florida’s Gulf Coast are getting ready for Hurricane Milton. Facilities in counties with evacuation orders are moving patients. Hospitals aim to stay open during the storm.
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration reports 10 hospitals have evacuated. Over 300 facilities, like nursing homes, have also moved out. The state’s Department of Health calls this the “largest evacuation ever” in Florida. They’re doing this to keep patients and staff safe from the storm’s dangers.
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Tampa Bay area population | Over 3.3 million |
Mandatory evacuation orders | 11 Florida counties, home to around 5.9 million people |
Expected rainfall | Up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) |
Hospitals reported evacuations | 10 |
Health care facilities evacuated | Over 300, including nursing homes and assisted living centers |
The Gulf Coast’s health care facilities are taking big steps to prepare for Hurricane Milton. The storm’s growing strength means they must protect their patients and staff. This has led to one of the biggest evacuations in Florida’s history.
Misinformation and Rumors Surrounding Hurricane Helene Recovery
FEMA is getting ready to help with Hurricane Milton’s impact. But, they’re also fighting against false information about Hurricane Helene’s recovery. This hurricane hit Florida and the Carolinas two weeks ago. FEMA’s Deanne Criswell says she’s never seen so much misinformation, fueled by former President Donald Trump and others.
Some false claims say taking federal relief money could lead to land seizure. Others claim people will only get $750 to rebuild. FEMA is working hard to stop these rumors and give accurate info to the public.
Combating Misinformation and Providing Accurate Information
FEMA is taking steps to fight the false information about Hurricane Helene’s recovery:
- Actively dispelling false claims and providing factual updates through various communication channels
- Partnering with local and state authorities to ensure consistent and reliable information is shared with affected communities
- Encouraging residents to rely on official FEMA resources, such as the agency’s website, hotline, and mobile app, for the most up-to-date and accurate information
“We’ve never seen the disinformation problem as bad as it has been with Hurricane Helene. It’s really impacting our ability to get people the help they need,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
FEMA is focused on helping those hit by Hurricane Milton. They’re also dedicated to stopping misinformation. They want to make sure everyone affected gets the help they need during the recovery.
Seeking Shelter and Transportation Options in Tampa Bay
As Hurricane Milton gets closer to Tampa Bay, officials are telling people in evacuation zones to find shelter now. The storm is expected to bring strong winds, storm surge, and lots of rain. It’s very important for everyone to take steps to stay safe.
Shelters and Evacuation Zones
Many shelters have opened in the Tampa Bay area for those who need to leave. Hillsborough County has nine shelters ready. Pasco County’s shelters are almost full, and Pinellas County has opened a tenth shelter at Campbell Park Elementary.
People in Zones A, B, and C, and those in mobile and manufactured homes, must leave in Pinellas and Pasco. Hillsborough County is also telling people in Zones A and B, and all mobile and manufactured homes, to evacuate.
Transportation Assistance
Public transit has stopped regular service but is taking people to shelters until it’s not safe. If you need a ride, call your local emergency management office. The Florida Division of Emergency Management is also working with Uber to give free rides to shelters.
As Hurricane Milton gets stronger and comes closer, it’s very important to listen to warnings and act fast. Keep up with the latest news and follow what local authorities say to stay safe during this time.
Conclusion
Hurricane Milton is a serious threat to Florida’s west coast, mainly the Tampa Bay area. It’s coming as a powerful Category 5 storm. Over 5.5 million people in 11 coastal counties have been ordered to evacuate.
Health care facilities are moving patients and getting ready for the storm. Meteorologists say the Gulf of Mexico’s warming is making Milton stronger. This shows how climate change can make hurricanes more powerful.
As Milton gets closer, officials are fighting false information about Hurricane Helene’s recovery. Landfall is expected late Wednesday or early Thursday. This means people in Tampa Bay have little time to find safety.
Major theme parks like Walt Disney World are closed, and thousands of health care facilities are evacuating. With Milton getting stronger, it’s critical to act fast. Everyone should listen to warnings, follow evacuation orders, and find shelter to stay safe.
FAQ
What time is Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida?
Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida’s west coast between 2am and 6am on Thursday.
Has Hurricane Milton already made landfall in Florida?
No, Hurricane Milton has not landed in Florida yet. It’s approaching the west coast and will likely hit late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
What category is Hurricane Milton and how strong are the winds?
Hurricane Milton is now a Category 5 storm. It has winds of up to 160 mph.
Where is Hurricane Milton currently located?
The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Milton is 300 miles southwest of Tampa. It’s moving northeast at 12 mph.
What areas of Florida are under mandatory evacuation orders?
Over 5.5 million people must leave coastal areas in Florida. Mandatory evacuations are in 11 counties, including Charlotte and Hillsborough.
How are healthcare facilities in Florida preparing for Hurricane Milton?
Hospitals are moving patients and getting ready to stay open during the storm. By Tuesday, 10 hospitals had evacuated patients. More than 300 facilities, like nursing homes, had also moved out.
What is the connection between global warming and the power of Hurricane Milton?
Meteorologist John Morales says warmer Gulf of Mexico waters helped Hurricane Milton grow strong. Sea temperatures are 2-3 degrees Celsius higher than usual. Climate scientists agree global warming makes storms stronger.
Where can residents in the Tampa Bay area find shelter and transportation options?
Shelters are open in the Tampa Bay area. Uber is giving free rides to shelters. Public transit is also helping until it’s not safe anymore.
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