Hurricane Milton is forecasted to rapidly strengthen before making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast midweek. On Sunday, residents were cautioned to prepare for a significant hurricane, with Governor Ron DeSantis advising individuals in high-risk areas to brace for severe impacts.

Projected Path and Impact

The storm is anticipated to hit near the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday. It may maintain its strength as it traverses central Florida and heads toward the Atlantic Ocean. This warning arrives as Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, which inflicted substantial damage last week and resulted in 230 fatalities across the southeastern United States.

State of Emergency Declared

Governor DeSantis expanded the state of emergency to cover 51 counties on Sunday. He urged residents in evacuation zones, particularly on the west coast and barrier islands, to prepare to evacuate. “I don’t think there’s any scenario where we don’t have major impacts at this point,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of having enough food, water, and essential supplies for at least a week.

Preparations in Affected Areas

The Tampa Bay area, still recovering from Hurricane Helene, is gearing up for additional damage. The region reported twelve deaths due to Helene, prompting DeSantis to deploy National Guard troops to assist in clearing debris and preparing for Milton. Schools in Pinellas County, located in St. Petersburg, have already closed from Monday to Wednesday, and local authorities are providing free parking in city garages to protect vehicles from potential flooding.

FEMA’s Response and Readiness

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is collaborating closely with Florida’s government, organizing resources and response strategies in anticipation of Milton’s arrival. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated that the agency is prepared to manage both the ongoing recovery from Helene and the impending storm.

Heavy Rainfall Expected

As Hurricane Milton approaches, heavy rainfall is forecasted, with some areas potentially receiving up to a foot of rain by Wednesday night. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management is gearing up for one of the largest evacuations since Hurricane Irma in 2017, ensuring that fuel and emergency supplies are readily available along evacuation routes.

Other Hurricanes in the Atlantic

In the Atlantic, Hurricane Kirk has weakened to a Category 2 storm, generating hazardous waves for Bermuda and the US east coast. Meanwhile, Hurricane Leslie is also present in the ocean but poses no immediate threat to land. However, Hurricane Milton remains the primary concern as it nears Florida, with officials urging everyone to stay prepared.