Hurricane Milton intensifies to Category 5, Florida braces for impact

“This is serious,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned. Lifeguards and cleanup crews are working to remove anything that could become airborne in strong winds.

Evacuation orders issued

Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, ordered evacuations for areas close to Tampa Bay and for all mobile homes by Tuesday night. Authorities are urging residents to take the situation seriously and leave if they are in high-risk areas.

Contractors with the City of New Port Richey help clean debris left by Hurricane Helene in preparation for Hurricane Milton. (AP photo)

“This storm could be deadly,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

Fuel shortages and cleanup delays

Some Tampa-area gas stations have already run out of fuel as residents prepare for the storm. Although more fuel is being brought in, Governor DeSantis acknowledged the challenges in keeping up with demand. He also noted that cleanup efforts from Hurricane Helene have been delayed, with debris still left in many areas.

Experts say the storm could weaken slightly before hitting Florida, but it will still be very dangerous. (AP photo)

Residents like Sarah Steslicki are frustrated and worried that debris could become dangerous projectiles if not removed in time. “If Milton hits, all this stuff will be flying around,” she said.

Why Milton strengthened so quickly

Milton’s small size and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico helped it strengthen rapidly. It grew stronger by 92 mph (148 kph) in just 24 hours, one of the fastest intensifications in recent history. Experts say the storm could weaken slightly before hitting Florida, but it will still be very dangerous.

Closures and cancellations

Gas pumps are covered at a station Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Clearwater Beach, Florida. (AP photo)

Many schools and businesses are closing ahead of the storm. The University of Central Florida announced a midweek closure, and schools in Pinellas County, including St. Petersburg, are closed from Monday to Wednesday. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s NHL game and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ football operations have also been canceled or relocated.

In Mexico, coastal areas of Yucatan are closing schools as Milton’s outer bands are expected to affect the region.

Pasco County evacuees await the opening of the shelter at River Ridge High School in preparation for Hurricane Milton, Florida. (AP photo)

Preparing for impact

Tampa hasn’t had a direct hit from a hurricane in over a century, but the Gulf Coast is still recovering from recent storms. Communities are rebuilding from last year’s Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago.

Governor DeSantis said that every available state resource is being used to prepare for Milton’s impact. Officials continue to urge people in evacuation zones to leave, warning of the dangers the storm poses.

(With inputs from AP)

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