Hurricane Milton has intensified as it cruises through the Gulf of Mexico, setting its sights on Florida's bustling Tampa Bay area. With strong storm surges, torrential rains, and powerful winds on the horizon, residents brace for impact just weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc along the coastline.
Milton has rebounded to a Category 5 hurricane as of Tuesday afternoon, posing a significant threat to the Tampa Bay region, a densely populated area of over 3.3 million people. Remarkably, this region has remained unscathed by a major hurricane for more than a century, making Milton's approach a cause for heightened alert.
As Milton approaches, the west coast of Florida remains on edge, still recovering from the devastation caused by Helene last month. The proximity of these two powerful storms has strained local resources and infrastructure, prompting swift action from emergency crews.
On Wednesday, evacuation routes saw heavy traffic as thousands fled the Tampa area to seek safety. Meanwhile, cleanup crews raced against time to clear debris left by Helene, ensuring that Milton's high winds wouldn't transform remnants into dangerous projectiles that could further endanger lives and properties.
Experts at the National Hurricane Center have issued warnings, stating that Milton is \"expected to be a dangerous major hurricane\" upon making landfall. With the potential for widespread damage, communities are urged to stay informed and follow all safety guidelines to mitigate the storm's impact.
Reference(s):
Things to know about Hurricane Milton as it churns toward Florida
cgtn.com
