Hurricane Milton, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane, is churning towards Florida’s west coast, threatening a catastrophic collision that could leave a trail of devastation. Millions have been ordered to evacuate, but some residents, clinging to their homes and defying the warnings, are facing a grim reality of potential survival against the wrath of nature.
The Tampa Bay area, home to over 3.3 million people, is bracing for the brunt of the storm. This region, spared from direct hits by major hurricanes for over a century, is now facing the possibility of widespread destruction. The National Hurricane Center predicts that while Milton might weaken slightly, it will likely remain a major hurricane upon landfall, anticipated late Wednesday.
The storm’s immense power, with sustained winds exceeding 260 kmh, has prompted a desperate plea from US President Joe Biden. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Biden declared the evacuation a matter of life and death, urging residents to heed government instructions and prioritize their safety. “The time to evacuate is now, now, now,” he emphasized, reiterating that those remaining face an unimaginable threat.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor painted a stark picture of the potential devastation, highlighting the projected storm surge of up to 4.5 meters, which could engulf entire homes. “If you’re in it, basically that’s the coffin that you’re in,” Castor stated, underscoring the dire consequences of remaining in the path of the hurricane.
Amidst the escalating crisis, Biden also addressed the dangers of misinformation, particularly in times of natural disasters. He condemned the spread of misinformation, specifically referencing allegations against Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump, who has been accused of spreading misinformation about a previous hurricane. Biden asserted that such actions are “un-American,” as they mislead people and undermine the efforts to protect lives.
Forecasters predict that while the storm will retain hurricane strength as it crosses central Florida on Thursday, its precise track remains uncertain. Though the storm’s projected path has been nudged slightly south of Tampa, the threat remains substantial.
Thousands of fleeing cars have clogged Florida’s highways, as residents race against time to escape the approaching hurricane. However, for many, time is running out, leaving them with agonizing choices and desperate hopes. The storm’s arrival comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the region, leaving behind a trail of destruction and at least 230 deaths. Streets are still flooded, homes are destroyed, and communities grapple with the aftermath.
Despite the widespread evacuations and warnings, some residents remain defiant, choosing to stay back in their homes. One such resident, Scott Joiner, an accountant and art collector, opted to remain on the second floor of his New Orleans-style home, having experienced the devastation of Hurricane Helene firsthand. While acknowledging the deadly nature of water, Joiner has decided to weather the storm, despite the significant risks.
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for 11 Florida counties, encompassing a population of around 5.9 million. However, officials have warned that those choosing to remain must prepare to face the storm’s wrath alone, as first responders will not be risking their lives attempting rescues during the peak of the hurricane.
In Riverview, south of Tampa, several drivers waiting in line for fuel expressed their determination to ride out the storm. One resident, Martin Oakes, said, “I think we’ll just hang, you know — tough it out. We got shutters up. The house is all ready. So this is sort of the last piece of the puzzle.”
Others, still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene, are choosing not to take any chances. Evan Purcell, whose home was flooded by Helene, is packing his father’s ashes and attempting to catch his cat, McKenzie, as he prepares to leave. The trauma of the previous hurricane still fresh in his mind, Purcell fears that Milton might claim what Helene spared. “I’m still in shock over the first one and here comes round two,” Purcell expressed, his voice laden with anxiety. “I just have a pit in my stomach about this one.”
State and local governments are scrambling to remove the debris left behind by Helene, fearing that the approaching hurricane could turn the wreckage into deadly projectiles. Governor Ron DeSantis reported that the state has deployed over 300 dump trucks, which have already removed 1,300 loads of debris.
In Mexico, authorities in the state of Yucatan reported minor damage from Milton as it passed just offshore. Power lines, light poles, and trees were knocked down near the coast, and some small thatched-roof structures were destroyed. While Governor Joaquín Díaz reported no deaths or injuries, the damage serves as a reminder of the hurricane’s destructive potential.
