Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, continues to grow in size as it nears Florida’s Gulf Coast. According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton’s tropical-storm-force winds now extend 250 miles from its center, especially on its northern side, a significant increase from the 105 miles it covered just a day earlier. Even as its storm and wind surges have slightly weakened to 130 mph, Milton’s size has expanded, spreading its damaging winds over much of the Florida Peninsula. Floridians are already feeling the storm’s effects, with gusts reported along the state’s west coast, from north of Tampa Bay down to the Keys.
As Milton barrels toward Florida, the state is scrambling to prepare. Millions of residents have been ordered or urged to evacuate, and the highways are becoming clogged with traffic as people try to flee. Gas stations are running low on fuel, and stores are quickly being emptied of essential supplies. The hurricane is on a path to make landfall Wednesday night, and experts have described it as “historic, catastrophic, and life-threatening.” Tornadic supercells, which can produce tornadoes, are already sweeping across the peninsula, with reports of up to four confirmed tornadoes. Over 12 million people are currently under tornado warnings, adding to the growing danger. The governor has brought in power crews and staged these to the north in anticipation of power losses exceeding one million. The demand for disaster recovery will surge as property owners scramble to deal with the aftermath of flooding, wind damage, blown off roofs, interior water damage and mold growth.
Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, reassured residents that the state is prepared for the worst. Thousands of National Guard members and search and rescue personnel have been deployed to areas likely to be hardest hit. High-water vehicles are in place, and 50,000 linemen are on standby to help restore power after the storm passes. Tampa, a city that hasn’t experienced a direct hit from a major hurricane in over 100 years, is at particular risk. The storm surge in the area could push water levels up to 12 feet above ground, adding to the already dire situation. Despite the danger, DeSantis expressed confidence, saying, “We are facing this with the determination that it deserves but also the belief that we will get through this.”
