The usually sunny US state of Florida is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton. Many places are still struggling with the consequences of the last storm.
Tampa/Washington – The USA is on alert. Hurricane Milton is heading towards the US. There is a risk of severe destruction, particularly in Florida. There are drastic warnings for the population.
Milton is currently classified in the highest hurricane category 5. According to calculations by the US Weather Service, it is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast late on Wednesday evening (local time). According to the hurricane center, weather conditions in the region around the coastal metropolis of Tampa are expected to deteriorate significantly during the day.
Hurricane “Milton” hits the USA: horror scenario possible – “almost impossible to survive”
According to experts, “Milton” is likely to weaken somewhat before it reaches land, but its enormous extent in particular harbors significant potential for destruction. Life-threatening storm surges on the coast, squalls and heavy rain are to be expected. The formation of several tornadoes in the center and south of the Florida peninsula was also likely. If there is no weakening, a real horror scenario threatens: “However, if the storm hits land with such high intensity, it is almost impossible to survive,” explains British meteorologist John Feerick to the newspaper The Independent.
The authorities were concerned about the debris that had not yet been cleared, left behind by storm “Helene” when it passed through less than two weeks ago. There are fears that scrap lying around in already devastated areas could turn into deadly projectiles with the next storm.
Residents of the areas at risk tried to make their homes storm-proof. Tampa’s General Hospital had a flood wall built so it could remain operational as a clinic. Florida facilities such as Disney World, Kennedy Space Center and several college campuses announced temporary closures.
Hurricane “Milton” is racing towards the USA: Drastic warnings – problems with evacuation
An evacuation order was in effect for the Tampa area. While some residents still chose to barricade themselves in their homes, many others took temporary refuge. The town of Treasure Island, on a promontory west of Tampa, resembles a “ghost town” after most of its residents have left, its mayor, Tyler Payne, told the station CNN. “If you don’t leave, you’re on your own,” Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer said CNN and has some advice that describes the severity of the situation: “Take a pen and write your name and social security number on your leg so that we have a contact if we find you. Because this won’t end well.”
The escape from the region was noisy CNN However, it is difficult at times – there are traffic jams and fuel shortages and hotels are fully booked. Numerous airports in the region also stopped operations. The state and US governments initiated extensive preparations for relief efforts. president Joe Biden has postponed his planned visit to Germany to focus on the hurricane crisis. (dpa/rist)
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