(FreePressBeacon.com) – Floridians brace as Hurricane Milton skyrockets to a Category 5, threatening the Gulf Coast like no storm in over a century, with authorities issuing mass evacuation orders for the Tampa Bay area.
See FEMA’s warning and a video report on Hurricane Milton evacuation in the social media posts below!
Urgent evacuations trigger fear, recalling brutal memories of Hurricane Helene’s recent devastation.
Hurricane Milton, roaring through the Gulf of Mexico, has emerged as a Category 5 behemoth, posing a significant threat to Florida, primarily targeting Tampa Bay.
The National Weather Service underscores its potential devastation, warning it could be the worst storm the region has seen in over 100 years.
The Met Office observed this ferocious storm from the International Space Station.
Florida is reeling under Hurricane Helene’s impact just weeks ago, struggling to rebuild.
Now, with another threat looming large, mandatory evacuations are underway, and storm surge alerts are active statewide.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stern warning, saying, “This is the real deal here with Milton. If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”
The Mayor’s words echo the dire situation as preparations intensify.
Residents are advised to heed evacuation orders, with authorities cautioning against the deadly storm surges that Milton could bring.
“If they have called for your evacuation order, I beg you, I implore you, to evacuate,” state Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said.
“Drowning deaths due to storm surge are 100% preventable if you leave,” he added, cited by Weather.com.
Florida’s preparations are comprehensive. Actions include suspending road tolls, starting school closures, and converting them into emergency shelters across central and southwest regions.
Airports, such as those in Tampa and Orlando, also shut down operations to prioritize citizen safety.
In response, Georgia opens its doors to evacuees, ensuring those fleeing can find solace and refuge from the approaching storm.
President Biden has declared an emergency in Florida, a move critical to ensuring swift federal assistance reaches affected areas quickly.
Despite Walt Disney World remaining open, life in Florida has come to a standstill as the state gropes with imminent destruction, AP reports.
If you’re in the path of Hurricane #Milton, the time to act is NOW. If evacuation orders are given, DO NOT DELAY—leave immediately. Staying could mean risking your life and the lives of those you care about.
Check out @NHC_Atlantic's key messages for important information. ⤵️ https://t.co/ZGSA3YsXg0
— FEMA (@fema) October 7, 2024
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