Florida is bracing for disaster as Hurricane Milton, now a ferocious Category 5 storm, barrels toward the coast. With sustained winds reaching a terrifying 150 mph, the state is preparing for one of its largest evacuation efforts since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, as officials urgently plead with residents to flee ahead of the storm’s expected landfall on Wednesday.
The impending storm surge is predicted to be catastrophic, with entire communities in its path at risk of being decimated. Florida is still reeling from the recent devastation of Hurricane Helene, making Milton’s arrival even more alarming. As mass evacuations unfold and residents scramble for safety, the state is on high alert, battling to protect lives and brace for the potential destruction.
Florida is facing a huge evacuation.
The Whitehouse is expected to immediately send $100 Billion to Ukraine in response. pic.twitter.com/cvYWlifT2B
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) October 6, 2024
#BREAKING: Milton now a major category 4 hurricane. Explosive intensification in the past 12 hours as we near Cat 5 strength. pic.twitter.com/X2M3kLI4QT
— Chris Vickers (@ChrisWTOL) October 7, 2024
Hi guys,
I live and work in Tampa.
Public officials have advised me to evacuate my family ahead of the hurricane. With three little kids and a pregnant wife it is just not worth the risk.My team and I will be broadcasting this week from a safe location.
On our way now 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/fKwBcjqknr
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 7, 2024
8:05 AM CDT Monday Update: Milton rapidly intensifies into a category 4 hurricane. The maximum sustained winds have now increased to 150 mph (240 km/h) and the minimum pressure has fallen to 940 mb. pic.twitter.com/wlJXbB5lkr
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 7, 2024
Having to leave Nashville earlier than I planned and head back to Florida. Never ends. t.co/XtXlQOyZlw
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) October 7, 2024
Sources:
www.timesunion.com/news/article/florida-prepares-for-massive-evacuations-as-19820051.php
www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/live-blog/hurricane-milton-live-updates-rcna174253