By The Diary
08 Oct 2024, 20:31 PM EDT
Hurricane Milton has regained strength this Tuesday, once again reaching category 5 as it moves towards the west coast of Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
With sustained winds of 270 km/h (165 miles/hour), this system, classified as “extremely dangerous,” threatens to cause a devastating impact in the region, especially in the Tampa Bay area.
The cyclone is currently located about 520 km west-southwest of Dry Tortugas, in the Florida Keys, and about 775 km southwest of Tampa. Milton is expected to continue its path through the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall on the central west coast of Florida on Wednesday night, before crossing the peninsula and exiting into the Atlantic.
The NHC has warned Florida residents to prepare for the imminent arrival of the hurricane, urging them to follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.
“Preparations to protect life and property must be completed as soon as possible,” the agency stressed, highlighting the importance of having a plan in place before the hurricane’s effects become more intense.
Concerns in Florida
A major concern is storm surge, which could reach 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in Tampa Bay, posing an elevated risk of catastrophic flooding in coastal areas.
Additionally, tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the Bay region as early as Wednesday morning, further complicating the situation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference on Tuesday in which he urged residents not to delay their evacuation plans. “This is the time to act. If you plan to leave, do it now,” he emphasized.
As Milton approaches, torrential rains are expected along the Florida peninsula, which could cause flash and urban flooding, combining coastal and land flooding, which will further complicate the situation in the state.
Additionally, the NHC warns of the possibility of prolonged power outages due to the intensity of the winds and extreme weather conditions that will affect the region during the next few hours.
With information from EFE.
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