LUBBOCK, TX — Hurricane Milton quickly strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday and is expected to reach Category 5 status, raising severe concerns for Florida. With dangerous storm surges likely in Tampa Bay, officials are gearing up for possible mass evacuations only two weeks after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage along the East Coast.
According to the National Weather Service, a hurricane warning is in effect for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan state, while much of Florida's west coast is under hurricane and storm surge watches. Lake Okeechobee, known for its flooding during severe storms, is also under a hurricane watch.
Hurricane Milton's trajectory as it pushes into Florida
(Credit: noaa.gov)
“This is the real deal here with Milton,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor stated at a press conference. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”
As of Monday morning, Milton was classified as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph and is expected to strengthen to a Category 5 soon.
Forecasts indicate that Milton's center could land in the Tampa Bay area by Wednesday, potentially remaining a hurricane as it travels over central Florida toward the Atlantic. This trajectory could spare states still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which resulted in at least 230 fatalities.
Forecasters are reporting a possible storm surge of 8 to 12 feet in Tampa Bay, accompanied by heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. The region is still reeling from the aftermath of Helene, which caused significant destruction and claimed 12 lives.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the urgency of clearing debris from Helene to prevent dangerous projectiles during Milton's approach. Over 300 vehicles attempted to clear debris but faced challenges, prompting state troopers to intervene.
As officials prepare for what could be one of the largest evacuations since Hurricane Irma in 2017, Florida is implementing measures to ensure fuel availability and charging stations along evacuation routes. Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, has ordered evacuations for vulnerable areas and mobile homes by Tuesday night.
Late Monday morning, the National Weather Service located Milton approximately 130 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and 720 miles southwest of Tampa. DeSantis expanded his state of emergency declaration to cover 51 counties, urging Floridians to stock up on essentials and prepare for possible power outages and disruptions.
As preparations ramp up, schools in the Tampa area will close Monday through Wednesday, and many will serve as emergency shelters. Airports in the region are suspending operations, and beach items are being removed to prevent hazards.
Despite not being directly hit by a hurricane in over a century, Tampa and other parts of Florida's Gulf Coast are still recovering from recent storms, as Hurricane Milton's unusual formation in the southwest Gulf could create challenges for the region.
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