Hurricane Milton Poses New Threat to Florida After Helene’s Devastation
A powerful category-4 hurricane, Hurricane Milton, is approaching Florida’s Gulf Coast, just 10 days after the deadly storm Helene ravaged the southeastern United States. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Milton is expected to make landfall around Tampa Bay on Wednesday with wind speeds reaching up to 150 mph (240 km/h). With a history of causing significant damage, Floridians have been instructed to prepare for the largest evacuation effort since 2017’s Hurricane Irma.
Milton’s landfall is predicted to cause massive storm surges, flash flooding, and destructive winds, similar to the recent impact of Helene, which left over 225 people dead across multiple states. Rainfall totals could reach up to 15 inches in some areas, while coastal regions brace for surges up to 10 feet. In preparation, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has issued emergency warnings for 51 counties, urging residents to take necessary precautions as Milton continues to strengthen.
Evacuations and Preparations Begin as Milton Strengthens
Helene’s impact still lingers, with recovery efforts expected to take years. Over 1,500 soldiers have been deployed to assist in the hardest-hit regions like North Carolina, where the storm caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure and power grids. President Joe Biden has already allocated nearly $140 million in federal assistance, while misinformation surrounding the use of relief funds has sparked controversy.
As Hurricane Milton moves closer, Florida residents are bracing for another round of life-threatening weather, while still recovering from the devastation left behind by Helene.
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