Florida's west coast is bracing for potentially devastating impacts as Hurricane Milton gains strength, forecasters warned on Sunday. Now classified as a Category 1 hurricane, Milton has reached wind speeds of 80 mph, fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, according to reports from USA Today and NBC News. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has advised residents to prepare, emphasizing the importance of adhering to local officials’ guidance.
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast, targeting the Tampa Bay region with the intensity of a Category 3 hurricane by Wednesday, CNN reported. Areas including Miami, Orlando, and Tampa are anticipated to receive between four to eight inches of rain through Thursday.
In response to the looming threat, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 51 counties out of 67 in the state. This declaration comes as Florida is still engaged in cleanup activities from Hurricane Helene. Efforts have been ramped up around the clock in anticipation of Milton's arrival.
The state’s Division of Emergency Management is gearing up for what could be the largest evacuation effort seen since 2017. At a news conference held alongside Governor DeSantis on Sunday, Director Kevin Guthrie emphasized the urgency for residents to complete their storm preparations immediately and strongly advised those in affected areas to evacuate if instructed. Residents are urged to finalize their hurricane plans promptly and heed any evacuation orders or advice given by local authorities as Hurricane Milton approaches.
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast, targeting the Tampa Bay region with the intensity of a Category 3 hurricane by Wednesday, CNN reported. Areas including Miami, Orlando, and Tampa are anticipated to receive between four to eight inches of rain through Thursday.
In response to the looming threat, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 51 counties out of 67 in the state. This declaration comes as Florida is still engaged in cleanup activities from Hurricane Helene. Efforts have been ramped up around the clock in anticipation of Milton's arrival.
The state’s Division of Emergency Management is gearing up for what could be the largest evacuation effort seen since 2017. At a news conference held alongside Governor DeSantis on Sunday, Director Kevin Guthrie emphasized the urgency for residents to complete their storm preparations immediately and strongly advised those in affected areas to evacuate if instructed. Residents are urged to finalize their hurricane plans promptly and heed any evacuation orders or advice given by local authorities as Hurricane Milton approaches.
