Hurricane Milton, moving rapidly through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, has begun to show its effects in surrounding areas, including the route of Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas cruise ship.
During the evening of Tuesday, several passengers aboard the huge ship documented in videos and photographs the strength of the winds associated with Hurricane Milton, which, although they do not represent the most dangerous center of the hurricane, managed to visibly impact the experience of travelers. .
A 7News report showed how several passengers were on the deck of the ship, taking photos and recording videos that capture the force of the winds that stirred their hair and clothes. Although Harmony of the Seas was not in the eye of the hurricane, the outlying wind system associated with the storm created remarkable conditions on the ship, allowing passengers to experience and record the power of nature from a safe distance.
The video, shared on social networks and media, also shows, in the distance, the rear part of the hurricane, which is moving eastward, towards the Florida peninsula. The images show strong waves, although the cruise ship was still some distance from the center of the weather system.
Cruise ship’s trajectory in the middle of Hurricane Milton
The Harmony of the Seas cruise ship set sail on Saturday from Galveston, Texas, following a route that has coincided with the path of Hurricane Milton. As the storm moved through the Gulf of Mexico, the ship has remained at a safe distance, following weather indications to avoid areas of extreme danger.
However, despite the precautions, the increase in size and extent of Milton’s winds has begun to affect a larger area. According to the news agency report, cruise ship passengers have remained safe, but weather conditions have been unpredictable in recent hours due to the expansion of the storm.
Hurricane Milton has gained strength over the past 24 hours, growing significantly in size and affecting a much wider area. Tropical storm-force winds, which initially extended at about 130 km/h from the center of the storm, now cover up to 225 km/h. This increase in its radius of action has caused the storm’s effects to be felt in more distant regions, such as the Gulf of Mexico and the coasts near Florida.
According to weather experts, Milton will make landfall in central Florida overnight Wednesday, with forecasts indicating it will be one of the most destructive storms in recent years. Residents of several towns in this state have already begun to prepare for the arrival of the hurricane, which will bring significant storm surges and coastal flooding, as well as winds that will cover the entire peninsula.
Coastal storm surges and flooding: an imminent danger
One of the biggest risks associated with Milton is storm surge, which, combined with strong winds, could cause severe flooding in coastal areas of Florida. Authorities have issued alerts along the coast, urging residents to take preventive measures and evacuate the most vulnerable areas before the storm arrives.
The winds, which are already exceeding 200 km/h in some areas, also represent a considerable danger, especially in urban areas where debris from recent Hurricane Helene has not yet been completely removed. These objects, which were scattered along the streets after Helene passed, could become dangerous projectiles under the force of Milton’s hurricane-force winds.
Despite authorities’ efforts to clear streets and prepare cities for Milton’s impact, there are still areas where debris and dangerous objects remain uncollected. This has raised concerns among experts, who warn that Milton’s winds could propel these objects, increasing the risk of damage to property and people.
As Florida prepares to face the storm, the message from authorities has been clear: it is vital that residents follow evacuation instructions and take all possible measures to protect themselves from the imminent impact of Hurricane Milton.
With the storm moving toward the coast, constant monitoring will be key to mitigating the effects of one of the most powerful hurricanes of the season.
Keep reading:
* Video: Milton shakes the plane of the NOAA team seeking information about the hurricane
* Florida coast may change after Hurricane Milton, authorities warn
* Hurricane Milton: Are Disney parks open?