Hurricane ‘Milton’ has made landfall in the American state of Florida. Meteorologists fear it could be one of the most dangerous storms in the state’s history. Several people have already been killed by tornadoes. More than two million households were without power in Florida on Wednesday evening.
Shortly before ‘Milton’ hit the coast, it had been downgraded from the highest Category 5 to Level 4 and eventually to Level 3. The storm, including torrential rain, has already spawned at least 19 tornadoes and destroyed about 125 homes.
Multiple deaths at country club
In Saint Lucie County, north of Fort Pierce, several suspected tornadoes resulted in several deaths, Sheriff Keith Pearson told WPTV. They are believed to have died at the Spanish Lakes Country Club.
Sea levels could rise by as much as four meters
‘Milton’ now threatens the greater Tampa Bay area, home to more than three million people. According to predictions, sea levels could rise by up to four meters. At sea, the hurricane produced waves up to 25 feet (8.5 meters) high, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
Rescue operations already at night
Authorities were preparing for extensive search and rescue operations that could last all night. “This means that almost all rescue work has to be carried out in the dark in the middle of the night, but that doesn’t matter. They will do it,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
‘Milton’ is now expected to move from Florida’s Gulf Coast across the state and into the Atlantic Ocean. Severe destruction is also expected off the coast. Before the hurricane arrived, tornadoes were already raging in parts of Florida. The water level rose rapidly as strong winds pushed seawater inland.
This message shows tornadoes shortly before “Milton”’s arrival:
Meteorologists predicted it could be one of the most dangerous storms in the state’s history. In addition to extreme wind speeds, heavy rainfall and dangerous storm surges are also expected, which could cause widespread flooding.
Millions of people asked for evacuation
Authorities ordered the evacuation of several coastal areas. Millions of people were asked to leave their homes and seek safety. Many responded to the call: there were reports of traffic jams and shortages of fuel and emergency shelter. Finally, authorities asked people to barricade themselves where they were (“shelter in place”) because a safe evacuation was no longer possible.
Preparations were in full swing until the last minute. The US government has taken extensive relief measures to support the affected areas. The Pentagon mobilized thousands of National Guard troops to assist with rescue operations and aid distribution. Emergency centers were also set up to ensure quick assistance during and after the storm.
A week and a half ago, storm ‘Helene’ caused serious damage in Florida and several other states. More than 200 people died. Given the arrival of ‘Milton’, many of those affected in Florida did not have time to recover from the devastation.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
