Hurricane Milton is intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, having been upgraded to a Category 2 storm with expectations of reaching Category 4 before landfall on Wednesday. Governor DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, prompting significant evacuation efforts, while preparations are underway to respond to the storm including the mobilization of National Guard members. Floridians are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions and potential flooding as a separate rain system exacerbates the risks.
Hurricane Milton is presently intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, achieving wind speeds of 85 mph as a Category 1 storm, according to reports from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of the 5 a.m. update on Monday, the storm has been reclassified as a Category 2 hurricane. Forecasters anticipate that Milton could escalate to Category 4 by late Monday night and maintain that intensity through Tuesday before diminishing slightly prior to making landfall as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday evening, potentially around 5 p.m. at Madeira Beach in Pinellas County. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the rapidly intensifying nature of Milton, highlighting its location over warm Gulf waters, ideal for intensification, with temperatures spanning from 85 to 88 degrees and minimal wind shear present. He stated, “Milton is expected to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall,” and voiced concerns over a potentially severe storm surge surpassing that experienced during Hurricane Helene. In response to Milton, Governor DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties along Florida’s west coast, urging residents to prepare by securing additional supplies of fuel and non-perishable food. Kevin Guthrie, the executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, indicated that preparations for Milton have been under surveillance for the past 14 days. Personnel, including 800 members of the National Guard, are actively engaged in clearing debris from Hurricane Helene in anticipation of Milton’s arrival. Furthermore, preparations include having 600 ambulances on standby for rapid response once the storm impacts the region. The White House reported that President Biden received a briefing regarding Milton’s trajectory and its potential implications for Florida’s Gulf Coast, alongside FEMA’s activities in prepositioning essential resources for the impending storm. Additionally, Florida is contending with a separate weather system currently delivering 2 to 5 inches of rainfall this weekend. This preexisting rainfall could exacerbate flooding risks when Hurricane Milton subsequently reaches the state, with total rainfall predictions potentially exceeding 10 inches. The dangers posed by storm surge and wind damage are highlighted as serious concerns for residents along Florida’s west coast.
The article discusses the increasing threat posed by Hurricane Milton as it progresses toward Florida’s west coast. The National Hurricane Center provided updates indicating the storm’s classification has escalated from Category 1 to Category 2, with predictions of further intensification. The state of Florida is coordinating extensive emergency responses, including evacuations and preparations for a potential large-scale impact, reflecting the preparedness learned from previous hurricanes such as Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Helene. Governor Ron DeSantis and state officials are actively communicating the risks associated with Milton and emphasizing the need for residents to take cautionary measures in preparation for severe weather conditions.
In conclusion, Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting extensive emergency preparations across Florida. Governor DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for numerous counties and urged citizens to prepare adequately for the potential impact of a major hurricane. With forecasts predicting dangerous wind speeds and substantial rainfall, officials stress the importance of having a hurricane preparedness plan in place and remaining vigilant as the storm approaches the state.
Original Source: 6abc.com
