Hurricane Milton has intensified to a Category 5 storm as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida, posing a significant threat to the state's west coast, particularly the Tampa Bay area. This comes just weeks after Hurricane Helene caused devastation along the coastline.
With sustained winds of 160 mph, Milton is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday, potentially bringing massive storm surges, heavy rainfall, and destructive winds to the region. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued warnings of a major impact on the west coast of Florida.
Evacuations are underway in the Tampa area, with concerns about debris from Helene becoming dangerous projectiles in Milton's path. The storm surge predictions for Tampa Bay are unprecedented, with forecasts indicating a surge of 10 to 15 feet.
As Milton crosses central Florida, it is expected to dump up to 18 inches of rain, further exacerbating the flooding risk. The storm's trajectory is also causing disruptions to travel plans, with airports in the region halting operations and major theme parks closing their doors.
Gasoline shortages are adding to the challenges faced by residents preparing for the storm, with long lines and empty pumps reported at gas stations. While efforts are being made to replenish supplies, a significant percentage of stations are currently without fuel.
Meanwhile, in Mexico's Yucatan state, minor storm damage was reported as Milton passed through, with power lines, light poles, and trees knocked down near the coast. Fortunately, there were no reports of deaths or injuries in the region.
