Meteorologist John Morales couldn’t contain his emotions as he reported on Hurricane Milton, set to devastate Florida’s west coast. With President Biden warning of a potential century-defining storm, evacuation orders were issued, and preparations escalated.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s wrath still lingers in the southeastern U.S., but now all eyes are on Milton as it tears across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida. Authorities closed Tampa International Airport, and President Biden canceled his overseas trip to oversee response efforts.
‘A matter of life or death’
Evacuation orders cover nine Florida counties, with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor bluntly stating, “If you choose to stay… you’re going to die.” The region, susceptible to storm surge, faces its first major hurricane in over a century. Despite weakening to a Category 4, Milton poses a significant threat.
The National Hurricane Center warns of destructive storm surge and devastating winds along Florida’s west coast. Gov. Ron DeSantis urges extreme preparedness for the impending impact of Milton. It’s a tense wait for Florida residents as they brace for the hurricane’s full force.
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