By News Editor 
As Hurricane Milton approaches the coast of Florida, residents are urged to prioritizing their safety and heed evacuation orders. The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton is now a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 155 miles per hour, and it is expected to make landfall on Wednesday evening.
Tampa’s mayor, Jane Castor, has stated, “This is literally catastrophic,” emphasizing the dire situation facing residents in evacuation zones. She further warned that remaining in such areas could lead to tragic consequences. Governor Ron DeSantis has initiated the suspension of tolls and the use of roadway shoulders as lanes to facilitate the evacuation process. Additionally, airlines are responding to the crisis by adding more flights out of Florida prior to the anticipated closure of airports.
Milton’s impacts have already been felt in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, causing school closures and port shutdowns. As it continues towards Florida, it threatens to exacerbate the damage from Hurricane Helene, which had deadly consequences just two weeks prior. The storm may disrupt the region’s citrus crops and also has the potential to affect polling sites just weeks before the U.S. presidential election.
The forecast suggests that Milton could cause damage ranging from $60 billion to $150 billion, with Tampa potentially facing losses that could reach up to $200 billion due to its valuable real estate. The hurricane center predicts a storm surge of up to 15 feet in Tampa Bay, which could lead to extensive flooding in the area.
Despite some fluctuations in wind speeds, meteorologists warn that Milton’s expanding size and the potential for a significant storm surge will pose serious risks to residents. Widespread power outages are anticipated, and numerous counties in Florida are under a declared emergency due to the storm.
As Hurricane Milton continues its advance, residents are reminded that time is running out to prepare for the storm’s dangerous conditions. Officials are emphasizing the importance of heeding local guidance and evacuating if necessary. As Florida braces for what could be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record, the community must come together to support one another during this extreme weather event.