HURRICANE Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, prompting warnings for Tampa, Fort Myers, and Orlando, as well as parts of Florida’s east coast.
The storm’s wind speeds surged by 90 mph in just 25 hours, and forecasters warn it could become one of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida’s history.
The National Hurricane Center anticipates “devastating hurricane-force winds” and storm surges up to 15 feet in the Tampa Bay area. Despite possible weakening before landfall, the storm is expected to affect much of the peninsula.
The hurricane’s rapid intensification is attributed to record-hot Gulf waters. Schools in over 20 counties are closing, and President Biden has declared a state of emergency, authorizing FEMA assistance.
Residents are urged to heed evacuation orders as Hurricane Milton approaches, threatening severe damage across the state.
