Hurricane Milton Threatens Tampa Bay with Potential Devastation: Mandatory evacuation

Local authorities have declared a critical alert, warning residents of a potential catastrophe due to the hurricane’s strength and trajectory. This area, home to over 3.3 million people, hasn’t faced a weather event of this magnitude in more than a century.

Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center indicate that Milton could make landfall this Wednesday, with potentially catastrophic force. Although it has slightly weakened from a Category 5, it is expected to maintain its Category 3 status upon impacting Florida. Currently, Milton is about 360 miles southeast of Tampa, with sustained winds of 160 miles per hour.

The predicted path of the hurricane sees it moving across the state toward the Atlantic Ocean. However, its exact route remains uncertain, as it has shifted slightly south of Tampa. As evacuation time runs out, thousands of vehicles clog main roads in a desperate attempt to leave the danger zone.

Authorities urge evacuation amid extreme flooding risk

Tampa’s mayor, Jane Castor, has been emphatic in her warnings about the storm’s danger. According to Castor, the combined effects of Milton could result in a storm surge up to 15 feet high, capable of completely submerging a house. In recent statements, Castor cautioned, “So if you’re in there, that’s basically your coffin,” illustrating the seriousness of the situation.

The Tampa Bay area is still recovering from the recent Hurricane Helene, which caused severe damage and a tragic toll of 230 deaths in the southern United States. In towns like Punta Gorda, remnants of the past storm are still visible: flooded streets and piled debris reveal the destructive impact and vulnerability of coastal communities.

While some residents, like accountant Scott Joiner, choose to stay in their homes, others have decided to follow the evacuation orders issued for 11 counties, affecting 5.9 million people. Joiner, facing possible flooding again, shared his experience with bull sharks swimming in his neighborhood’s streets after Helene. «Having water is a blessing, but it’s very deadly,» he said.

Authorities are clear in warning that those choosing to stay behind must rely solely on their own resources, as emergency services will not risk danger during the storm’s peak. This has generated mixed responses among residents, with some taking minimal precautions and others viewing Milton as a risk they do not wish to take.

Scientists monitor hurricane Milton after previous disasters

Governor Ron DeSantis swiftly mobilized resources to remove hazardous debris left by Helene, fearing it would become lethal projectiles during the new storm. To date, approximately 300 trucks have removed 1,300 loads of debris in preparation for the incoming threat.

In Mexico, authorities in the state of Yucatán have already experienced some effects of Milton, reporting minor damages, mainly to infrastructure and vegetation. Governor Joaquín Díaz confirmed that there were no human casualties, although the wind impact was strong.

Given the threat posed by the hurricane, eleven counties in Florida have mandated evacuations for about 5.9 million people. Authorities warn that those choosing to stay will not receive emergency assistance during the storm’s worst moments. Governor DeSantis recommended residents evacuate to nearby areas instead of taking long journeys.