Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday along Florida’s Gulf Coast, unleashing powerful winds, life-threatening storm surge, and widespread flooding across the state.
With maximum sustained winds of 120 mph ( 205 kph ), the storm made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm brought a dangerous storm wave to much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, impacting heavily populated places such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Fort Myers.
As Milton moved upstream, heavy rains threatened to cause major flooding along rivers and lakes.
More than 1 million homes and businesses are without electricity in Florida according to Hurricane Milton, according to energy monitor.
Authorities had issued immediate evacuation orders, warning residents that staying beyond may considerably reduce their chances of success.
As many as 5. 5 million across Florida were ordered to leave in at least 11 regions along the Gulf Coast, including the densely populated cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.
State officers said that this large departure has surpassed that of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the largest in Florida’s story.
Milton, fueled by exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters, half reached Category 5 strength before weakening somewhat, and the cyclone was expected to cross the Florida coast before emerging into the Atlantic on Thursday, while maintaining its power.
Governor Ron DeSantis said the wind risk is just not limited to the West Coast; he warned of major effect not just on the West Coast but also as Milton crossed the coast toward the Atlantic. “This is not just a seaside wind, ” DeSantis said, urging interior people to prepare for the wind as effectively.
President Joe Biden postponed his political trip to Germany and Angola to monitor the national response. He urged Citizens to pursue removal purchases, calling it “a matter of life and death. ”
Milton struck Florida only two weeks after Hurricane Helene left behind popular death. 8000 National Guard troops have been mobilised in the area in anticipation of the crisis, and authorities closed big bridges in the Tampa Bay area to avoid visitors as the wind neared.
As Florida braced for effects, several who had stayed behind for past storms sought shelter. “This a feels unique, ” said Orlando resident Jim Naginey, sheltering in a high school gyms with other residents. ” I’m not taking any chances this time. “
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