Florida readied itself on Sunday for its largest evacuation since 2017 as Tropical Storm Milton strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico, heading towards the state’s western coast. This development follows the devastating Hurricane Helene. The U.S. National Hurricane Center predicted Milton would reach hurricane strength by Wednesday morning, likely striking near the densely populated Tampa Bay area. Areas already impacted by Helene, which struck further north on 26 September, could be affected again. Tropical storm-force winds might hit Florida’s Gulf Coast by Tuesday night.
The hurricane center forecasted that Milton would rapidly intensify in the next few days, becoming a major hurricane by Monday. Kevin Guthrie, Florida’s emergency management director, advised residents to prepare for the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017, urging them to evacuate during a press conference. Governor Ron DeSantis warned of potentially greater storm surges and power outages from Milton compared to Helene, noting that existing debris from Helene could exacerbate damage. “If a major hurricane hits, the debris will dramatically increase the damage,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the need to clear debris.
DeSantis highlighted the unusual eastward trajectory of the storm. As of 1 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Milton was approximately 815 miles west-southwest of Tampa, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The National Hurricane Center advised those in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, mainland Florida, the Florida Keys, and the northwestern Bahamas to monitor the storm.
🚨BREAKING: Florida has just announced that they are preparing for what could be the largest evacuation since Irma in 2017, as Hurricane Milton is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane. #HurricaneMilton it has moved to be a Cat 2 with wind speeds reaching 100 mph pic.twitter.com/0FupEnlKPG
— Lucifer (@krishnakamal077) October 7, 2024
The U.S. South, including North Carolina and Florida, is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which killed over 200 people across six states, making it the deadliest named storm in the U.S. since Katrina, which killed nearly 1,400 in 2005. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he had ordered an additional 500 active-duty troops to support Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina, bringing the total military personnel to 1,500. This effort includes a massive state and local recovery operation, along with 7,000 federal workers and 6,100 National Guard personnel from 12 states.
The Biden administration has approved $137 million in federal assistance, with promises of more aid as the economic damage is expected to soar into the billions.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Reuters reports on Florida’s preparation for its largest evacuation since 2017 as Tropical Storm Milton intensifies, potentially causing higher storm surges and more power outages than Hurricane Helene.(read more)
- Channel News Asia reports Florida preparing for its largest evacuation since 2017 as Tropical Storm Milton intensifies, potentially hitting areas devastated by Hurricane Helene.(read more)
- The Business Times reports that Florida is preparing for its largest evacuation since 2017 as Hurricane Milton intensifies, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, which has caused over 160 deaths.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is Tropical Storm Milton’s projected landfall time?
Which area is most likely to be impacted by Tropical Storm Milton?
Near the heavily populated Tampa Bay area.
How strong is Tropical Storm Milton expected to become?
A major hurricane by Monday.
Why are Florida residents being urged to evacuate?
Due to the potential for a large storm surge, more power outages, and increased damage from debris.
What has President Biden done in response to Hurricane Helene’s aftermath?
Ordered 500 more active-duty troops to assist in recovery efforts.
