Florida is back on high alert following the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Milton, which formed as a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico, has reached Category 1 and continues to intensify. Weather experts predict that Milton could become a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on the west coast of Florida, which is expected to happen next Wednesday.
This situation has generated great concern in a state that has not yet fully recovered from the passage of Helene. The governor Ron De Santis has declared a state of emergency in 51 counties to quickly mobilize resources and ensure the safety of residents.
Preparations and mass evacuations underway
In the face of the imminent coup Milton, the authorities have begun to implement a series of preparatory measures. Kevin Guthrie, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, has commented that the largest evacuation is being organized since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Evacuation orders have already been issued for areas such as Anna Maria Island and parts of Pinellas y Manatee.
Residents of coastal areas They are quite restless, given the combination of storm surges and torrential rains expected. Local authorities have stressed the importance of evacuating quickly and safely, especially in flood-prone areas.
The risk of flooding is growing
Milton's rains could be catastrophic, with estimated accumulations of up to 25 centimeters (XNUMX inches) in some regions. This poses a particularly significant danger to areas like Tampa, which are already saturated with water due to recent rains from Helene.
Weather models indicate that while the rains will mainly affect the west coast of the state, Interior areas will also suffer. Municipalities such as Orlando y Miami are on alert for possible floods sudden caused by the storm.
Call to action: take precautions
The authorities of Florida have urged their residents to complete your preparations and evacuate if necessary, especially those close to the coast. The risk of storm surge, destructive winds and heavy rains is extremely high. Affected areas may face significant power outages, putting added pressure on those who remain in their homes.
Among the most common preparedness measures, residents are collecting sandbags to protect their homes in flood-prone areas.
Schools closed and shelters activated
Government officials have decided to close several schools in coastal districts such as Hillsborough, Pinellas y Pasco until Wednesday. These schools will be used as shelters to ensure the safety of those who cannot evacuate or do not have a safe place to go.
In addition, a network of sandbag distribution centers to help residents protect their homes from impending flooding. More than 500.000 people in the county are expected to be Pinellas and other counties under a state of emergency receive this type of assistance.
Milton: A hurricane that arrives after the devastation of Helene
The devastating impact of Helene, which left more than 230 dead and completely destroyed areas in Florida and other southeastern states, still resonates in the memories of residents. Many homes in the state They are still without electricity due to the catastrophic damage caused by Helene. Rescue and restoration teams are still working to remove debris and repair damaged infrastructure.
Ron De Santis has expressed concern about how this debris could mean an additional problem if Milton The strike is hitting hard. Authorities are redoubling their efforts to clean up the streets as quickly as possible, and more than 4.000 National Guardsmen have been mobilized to help with the work.
Milton comes at a critical time and could complicate the already lengthy recovery process for states affected by Helene.
An unprecedented hurricane in an extraordinary season
The 2024 hurricane season could go down in history as one of the worst on record. The National Hurricane Observatory The US Department of Agriculture had already warned since May that this year would be particularly active, with a high probability of major hurricanes. Milton, the 13th storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, has arrived earlier than expected, consolidating this year as one of the most intense in recent decades.
With all the warnings put on the table, the focus of concern It is not just Florida, but also other neighboring states that could be affected by heavy rains and flooding.
Florida is in a precarious situation, with first responders ready and waiting for what promises to be one of the biggest weather challenges in recent years.