Hurricane Milton Intensifies to Category 5, Threatens Florida's Gulf Coast
Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 165 mph, is rapidly approaching Florida, raising alarms across the state. Meteorologist John Morales noted the storm's explosive intensification, prompting mandatory evacuations and dire warnings from officials. Major cities, including Tampa, face the risk of catastrophic storm surges, with local leaders urging residents to flee. Despite the urgency, some residents remain hesitant to evacuate, fearing the unknown. As the storm approaches, thousands are fleeing, but fuel shortages are complicating evacuation efforts. Authorities have closed Tampa International Airport and issued evacuation orders for over half of Pinellas County residents. The state braces for significant impacts, with the potential for historic flooding along the coast and damage to infrastructure, including Walt Disney World and local jails.
The Weather Channel, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, PBS NewsHour, The FP, "Fodors Travel", Forbes, USA TODAY, The Associated Press, Yahoo! Voices, CNN