Hurricane Milton, a massive Category 4 storm, is rapidly approaching Florida’s Gulf Coast, growing in size and intensity. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm’s tropical-storm-force winds now extend 250 miles from its center, nearly doubling in size from just a day earlier. Although its sustained winds have decreased slightly to 130 mph, Milton’s sheer size makes it even more dangerous, as its destructive winds and rain are expected to impact much of the Florida Peninsula. With gusts already reported along the west coast, Venice, Sarasota, Bradenton and Port Charlotte appear to be very vulnerable as the state is bracing for one of the most powerful storms in recent history.
As the storm nears landfall, Florida is scrambling to prepare for what experts are calling a “historic, catastrophic, and life-threatening” event. Millions of residents have been ordered or urged to evacuate, leading to clogged highways, fuel shortages, and emptied store shelves. Milton’s storm surge and torrential rain threaten to cause unprecedented flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, while fierce winds could leave a path of widespread destruction. Tornadic supercells, capable of producing tornadoes, are already sweeping across the peninsula, with multiple reports of confirmed tornadoes adding to the danger. Over 12 million people are currently under tornado warnings as Milton barrels toward the state.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has assured the public that the state is prepared for the worst. Thousands of National Guard members and search and rescue teams have been deployed to potential impact areas, along with high-water vehicles to aid in recovery efforts. Tampa, which hasn’t experienced a direct hit from a major hurricane in more than a century, is particularly at risk. The National Hurricane Center warns that storm surges in the area could push water levels up to 12 feet above ground, which could cause historical flooding and devastate buildings and infrastructure across the region. As DeSantis emphasized, “We are facing this with the determination that it deserves, but also the belief that we will get through this.”
In addition to catastrophic flooding, Hurricane Milton’s ferocious winds are expected to tear off roofs, collapse buildings, and leave many homes and businesses in ruins. The combination of wind damage and severe water intrusion will leave a long trail of destruction across the state. Flash flooding from the storm surge could inundate entire neighborhoods, while powerful winds may level buildings, leaving them vulnerable to further damage from rain and rising waters. Residents and business owners will face a monumental task in rebuilding, with the need for swift disaster recovery assistance to address widespread structural damage, restore power, and mitigate the extensive water damage. The aftermath of Hurricane Milton could take months, if not years, to fully recover from, marking it as one of the most devastating storms in Florida’s history.