Florida is preparing for another devastating storm as Hurricane Milton approaches, threatening catastrophic damage just weeks after Hurricane Helene. The storm has forced President Joe Biden to postpone a planned overseas trip to oversee the federal response.
As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida’s west coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported sustained winds of 150 mph and storm surges up to 15 feet. Although the storm has weakened from its Category 5 status overnight, it is expected to make landfall as a powerful Category 3 hurricane. Florida Governor Ron Santis warned that much of the state’s peninsula is under some form of warning or watch.
“This is a matter of life and death, and that’s not hyperbole,” President Biden urged, encouraging those under evacuation orders to leave immediately. The storm poses a particular threat to the Tampa Bay area, where experts believe it could be the worst hurricane to hit in over a century.
Milton follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread devastation last month. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, referencing Helene, described the incoming storm as “literally catastrophic,” urging residents not to underestimate the danger.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts Milton could cause storm surge levels double those observed during Helene, which led to some of the worst flooding Florida has seen in years. Many residents scrambled to clear debris left by Helene, fearing it could turn into deadly projectiles in Milton’s high winds.
Emergency preparations have been underway across the state. Tampa residents lined up to collect sandbags in a bid to protect their homes from flooding, while others evacuated to higher ground. Among them was musician John O’Leary, who packed up and left his Tampa townhouse for safety, expressing concern about leaving behind his baby grand piano. Ferryboat operator Ken Wood, who previously ignored evacuation orders during Helene, vowed not to repeat the mistake, packing up his truck and leaving with his cat.
As Milton approaches, the storm has sparked a political battle ahead of the November 5 presidential election. Biden postponed a trip to Germany and Angola to focus on relief efforts, while former President Donald Trump criticized the government’s response to Helene. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris slammed Trump’s comments as false and irresponsible.
With Milton expected to make landfall tonight, Florida braces for another potentially devastating hurricane, with federal, state, and local agencies working to minimize the damage and save lives.
