A category 5 hurricane, the topmost category of hurricanes, is barreling towards Florida. The powerful storm Milton, is sailing through the Gulf of Mexico, keeping the Yucatan Peninsula at a safe distance on its right. It is difficult to pinpoint point landfall location but seems to be heading for Tampa Bay, on the western coast of Florida.
Milton is rated as the strongest storm for this region in the last 100 years or so. It is likely to landfall around Wednesday night (local time). Though the cyclones weaken slightly before the landfall due to friction of terrain and entrainment, but Milton is likely to retain the fiery of Cat V at the time of crossing the coast.
The hurricane is packed with howling winds in excess of 260 km/h. Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida. Invariably, such storms trigger catastrophic damage and leave a trail of destruction over a wider area. Evacuations have been ordered and precautionary measures have been put in place. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities on Florida’s Gulf Coast – still reeling from Hurricane Helen, are now revving up for Hurricane Milton.
In the stretch that includes Pinellas County, Sarasota and Tampa Bay, somewhere in this region is going to expect 10-15 feet of inundation. The storm surge warning covered almost the entirety of Florida’s west coast. Forecasters have warned of up to 15 inches of rain and said "The city and the region face an extreme flooding rain threat". Powerline workers from as far away as California were heading to Florida to help resolve the power outages, as and when required. There is a need to exercise utmost caution for at least 24 hours before and after, the storm clears the area.
