Hurricane Milton Upgraded to Category 5
Hurricane Milton intensified from a Category 3 to a Category 5 storm in just a few hours over the southern Gulf of Mexico, with sustained winds reaching 160 mph. The storm is currently positioned west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and moving towards Florida’s west coast, endangering cities like Tampa with a potentially devastating storm surge.
State of Emergency Declared
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties in preparation for Milton’s impact, warning of possible 20-foot storm surges. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders to stay safe.
Florida Prepares for ‘Major Impacts’
As Florida braces for the storm, President Joe Biden assured the readiness of life-saving resources. Amid preparations, FEMA battles misinformation from former President Trump regarding aid funds, emphasizing the importance of focusing on relief efforts.
Scientific Warnings About Climate Change
Scientists emphasize the role of human-induced climate change in intensifying extreme weather events like Hurricane Milton, underscoring the need for mitigation strategies.