In brief
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, residents are urged to evacuate in anticipation of severe weather and significant storm surges.
Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm and one of the most potent hurricanes to hit the Gulf of Mexico, is closing in on Florida's coast. Expected to make landfall in the Sarasota area, south of Tampa, the hurricane's outer bands have already begun to impact the state. Authorities have issued tornado warnings, urging residents to seek shelter.In Tampa, the urgency to evacuate has increased, with officials announcing that the window to leave safely is narrowing. Evacuees, carrying essential belongings and pets, have flocked to emergency shelters across the state, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The Tampa mayor warned residents of a potentially historic storm surge, ranging from 12 to 15 feet, which is significantly higher than what was experienced during Hurricane Helene two weeks prior.Raymond Zhong, a climate reporter, highlighted the role of rising ocean temperatures in the rapid intensification of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. As the storm looms closer, Floridians are bracing for its formidable impact, adhering to safety advisories and evacuation orders.
