By Federico Trabucci
07 Oct 2024, 1:35 PM EDT
Hurricane Milton has quickly escalated to category 5, generating concern among authorities and residents of several regions, especially in Florida.
According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Milton has maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour (mph), making it an extremely dangerous phenomenon.
Follow the trajectory of Hurricane Milton live
Florida in state of emergency
In Florida, 51 counties have declared a state of emergency due to the imminent arrival of the hurricane.
Authorities are coordinating efforts to prepare the population and prevent further damage, as the effects of the cyclone are expected to begin to be felt on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
In addition to the strong winds, there is an “increasing risk” of storm surge on the state’s west coast, which has prompted authorities to issue warnings for residents to closely follow evacuation orders.
Alert in the Yucatan Peninsula
The NHC has also issued storm surge warnings and hurricane conditions for large areas of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Mexican authorities are taking preventive measures to protect the population, including evacuation plans and preparing shelters.
The region could experience significant impacts, especially in coastal areas, with flooding and damage from intense winds.
Preparations and recommendations
Residents of affected areas, both in Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula, should follow the recommendations of local authorities and stay tuned for new updates.
They are advised to have an evacuation plan, stock up on water, food and basic supplies, as well as ensure that their homes are as protected as possible.