As Hurricane Milton strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico, residents of Florida’s west coast are preparing for what could be the most significant storm to hit the region in over a century. On Wednesday, the storm intensified, threatening major population centers with massive storm surges, torrential rain, and destructive winds just two weeks after deadly Hurricane Helene swamped the coastline.
Milton regained Category 5 status on Tuesday afternoon, setting its sights on the Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million people. The region has managed to evade a direct hit from a major hurricane for more than 100 years, but Milton’s approach has heightened concerns among officials and residents alike. Other stretches of Florida’s west coast, still recovering from Helene’s impact on September 26, are also at risk.
Traffic congestion mounted on Wednesday as thousands evacuated the Tampa area ahead of Milton’s arrival. Emergency crews worked diligently along the coast to clear debris left by Helene, aiming to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles in Milton’s fierce winds.
The National Hurricane Center issued stern warnings, stating that Milton is “expected to be a dangerous major hurricane” when it reaches Florida’s shores. Coastal communities have been urged to take immediate precautions to safeguard lives and property.
This rapid succession of powerful storms has drawn international attention, raising concerns among global observers, including business professionals and investors with interests in the region. Scholars and researchers are closely monitoring the situation to assess the implications of increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
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Things to know about Hurricane Milton as it churns toward Florida
cgtn.com
