Hurricane Milton is barreling towards Florida’s west coast, with residents facing potentially catastrophic destruction. Despite evacuation orders, some residents are determined to stay behind as the storm approaches. The Tampa Bay area, home to over 3.3 million people, is at risk of widespread devastation. Forecasters predict Milton, a Category 5 hurricane, will make landfall late Wednesday, likely weakening but remaining a major hurricane.
Thousands have fled the area, causing highways to be clogged, while time for evacuation is running out. Tampa’s Mayor Jane Castor warned of the possibility of up to 15 feet of storm surge, enough to engulf an entire house. The storm targets communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread flooding and devastation two weeks prior.
Despite the risks, some residents, like Scott Joiner in Punta Gorda, are choosing to ride out the storm in their homes. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued across 11 Florida counties, affecting nearly 6 million people. Authorities are warning that those who stay behind should be prepared to fend for themselves, as emergency responders may not be able to rescue them during the storm’s peak.
Residents are facing the aftermath of Helene, with piles of debris still littering the area, posing a threat of becoming projectiles in the oncoming storm. The state of Yucatan in Mexico reported minor damage from Milton’s passing offshore, including fallen power lines and destroyed structures. The severity of the situation is causing anxiety and uncertainty among residents as they brace for the impact of Hurricane Milton.
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