Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on Wednesday near the coastal community of Siesta Key, initially striking as a Category 5 storm before weakening to a Category 3 hurricane. With maximum sustained winds reaching 120 mph (195 kph), the storm remains extremely dangerous as it moves across the state.
In light of the impending threat, over two million people have been ordered to evacuate, with many more residing in the storm’s projected path. Reports indicate that more than 1 million homes and businesses were without power on Wednesday, particularly in Sarasota County and neighboring Manatee County.
Heavy rainfall accompanying Milton is expected to cause significant flooding inland along rivers and lakes as the storm traverses the Florida peninsula. Just weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the region, the state faces another catastrophic event, prompting US President Joe Biden to warn that Hurricane Milton could be one of the most destructive hurricanes to impact Florida in over a century. He emphasized the importance of following local safety protocols, stating, “It’s literally a matter of life and death.”
The Florida Division of Emergency Management urged residents to “shelter in place and remain vigilant,” noting that deadly hazards and conditions would persist into Thursday as the storm progresses.
In a show of solidarity, several celebrities participated in a star-studded benefit concert, with Taylor Swift contributing $5 million to Feeding America for hunger relief efforts in the wake of both Hurricane Helene and Milton.
As Hurricane Milton continues its path, it is projected to weaken over the western Atlantic, potentially dropping below hurricane strength by Thursday night. The impact of both storms is expected to result in untold billions of dollars in damages, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected communities.
