By hannover-web.com As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida, it has weakened to a category 3 storm, with landfall expected late Wednesday or early Thursday. I had the chance to interview local officials and residents about their preparations and concerns regarding the impending storm.
Officials have been urging those along Florida’s western coast to seek shelter if they haven’t evacuated yet. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned residents to be prepared for a storm surge that could exceed 10 feet, accompanied by severe flooding and hurricane-force winds. President Biden has labeled Milton the “storm of the century,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Despite the downgrade to category 3, experts caution that Hurricane Milton continues to pose a significant threat, particularly to densely populated areas like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. During a recent press conference, President Biden remarked, “No one should be confused. It’s still expected to be one of the most and worst destructive hurricanes to hit Florida in over a century.” Estimates indicate that the hurricane could make landfall between 8 PM and midnight.
Although wind speeds have decreased to 120 mph, reports from the National Weather Service reveal that seven tornadoes have already struck the state, with the entire region under a tornado watch until 9 PM. The greatest concerns seem to be centered in central and southern Florida.
I spoke with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the storm’s exact landfall location. However, he warned that “absolutely every place on the west coast of Florida could get major storm surge.” DeSantis also confirmed the deployment of 8,000 National Guard members and reassured residents that their requests for federal assistance have been addressed.
Mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor, shared a bleak perspective for those living in low-lying homes, stating, “If you are in a single-story home that is hit by a 15-foot storm surge, there’s nowhere to go.” She also remarked that this level of evacuation is unprecedented in her experience.
The latest forecasts anticipate that the storm could produce winds exceeding 100 mph along the Gulf Coast. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is en route to Florida to oversee preparations, emphasizing, “I want the people to hear it from me directly: FEMA is ready.” Concurrently, President Biden has denounced the spread of misinformation regarding FEMA’s response efforts, stressing the importance of trust during such critical times.
In anticipation of the hurricane, authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for 11 counties, affecting roughly 5.9 million residents. Those choosing to remain in place must be ready to manage on their own. However, many evacuees are encountering fuel shortages, with over 60% of gas stations in Tampa and St. Petersburg running out of fuel by Wednesday afternoon.
Residents have expressed frustration over gridlocked roads and a scarcity of accommodations. Local resident Ashley Khrais described the scene as “very scary,” saying there seemed to be no viable escape. Meanwhile, 71-year-old Mark Prompakdee, a resident near St. Petersburg, planned to weather the storm in a minivan parked on high ground. He lamented, “They’re saying, ‘Get out of here,’ Where to?”
Fortunately, some areas appear to have heeded evacuation warnings; NBC News reporter Jay Gray noted visible compliance in Fort Myers Beach, with residents actively preparing to safeguard their properties.
As local airports close and Disney World announces park closures, the effects of the storm are being felt widely. Even in Havana, Cuba, flooding has been reported in low-lying areas.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on safety and preparedness as Hurricane Milton approaches.
