Florida Braces for Hurricane Milton: Evacuations, Flight Cancellations, and Warnings of Deadly Flooding

Florida is on high alert as Hurricane Milton approaches, with landfall expected tonight. Authorities have urged residents along the state’s western coast to evacuate immediately in a desperate race against time. The storm, currently a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 250 km/h, poses significant risks of destruction.

Earlier this week, airlines added flights from major cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Sarasota to ease highway congestion. However, the situation has taken a dramatic turn, with six of Florida’s international airports, including Orlando’s, now closed. More than 1,700 flights across the U.S. have been canceled, and millions are preparing for the storm.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued warnings of potentially deadly flooding, with infrastructure such as roads and bridges at risk. Although the hurricane has been downgraded from Category 5, experts stress that its intensity remains formidable. Tampa and Sarasota, which are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago, lie directly in Milton’s path.

Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, emphasizing that the hurricane will have a severe impact. While some hope it will weaken before hitting the coast, officials remain confident that it will cause significant damage. President Joe Biden warned that Hurricane Milton could be the worst storm to hit Florida in a century, with estimated damages potentially exceeding $100 billion.

Meteorologists have pointed to climate change as a contributing factor to the rapid intensification of hurricanes like Milton. Warmer ocean temperatures fuel these storms, making them more destructive. This has raised concerns about more frequent and intense hurricanes in the future.

Despite warnings, many Floridians are still in harm’s way, either due to delays in evacuation or a decision to stay. The state’s population remains on edge as authorities urge residents to seek shelter in safe locations. The full impact of Hurricane Milton will be clear in the coming hours, but one thing is certain: Florida is facing a potentially historic natural disaster.

Stay tuned for updates as we monitor the developments surrounding Hurricane Milton’s approach and its aftermath.