A massive hurricane, dubbed Hurricane Milton, is set to hit the Tampa area on Florida’s west coast, putting more than three million residents at risk. Forecasters are describing it as the “storm of the century” with the potential for catastrophic damage. Residents have been urged to evacuate, with warnings that staying put could be deadly.
The hurricane, which has slightly weakened from a Category 5 to a Category 4, is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall, causing an “extremely life-threatening situation.” The state is bracing for what could be the largest search and rescue operation in Florida history once the storm passes. With preparations underway and the National Guard deploying thousands of personnel, officials are taking no chances.
The impact of Hurricane Milton is also being linked to climate change, as warmer sea surface temperatures are fueling its rapid intensification. The storm surge, reaching up to three to five meters, is particularly concerning. The frequency of major weather events like this is attributed to the warming of the seas due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Residents are facing uncertainty about the safety of their homes and the potential for widespread damage. Gas stations have run out of fuel, highways are jammed with fleeing residents, and hotels are full of those displaced by previous hurricanes. The future remains uncertain for many as they prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, the largest storm to hit Tampa in a century.
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