Over one million residents of Florida, U.S. are fleeing en masse, as hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall anywhere between a category 3 to 5 hurricane on Wednesday afternoon.
Evacuees are leaving their homes and belongings behind, packing what they can into cars, uncertain of what they will find when they return.
Florida is still reeling from hurricane Helene, which struck less than a month ago, causing over 200 deaths, according to the latest governmental reports.
Images from Reuters show streets on Treasure Island still littered with debris from Helene, which has yet to be cleared.
The damage from Helene extended up the East Coast to North Carolina, which was hit particularly hard.
A resident walks through debris following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Marshall, North Carolina, U.S., October 8, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Hurricane Milton gained strength over the Gulf of Mexico, fueled by warm waters until it reached Category 5.
Meteorologists now predict the storm might weaken to a Category 3, but if it does, it is likely to expand in size and impact a larger area.
Meanwhile, Reuters reports that the one million evacuees have been fleeing for higher ground, causing traffic jams and fuel shortages.
A view of a gas station that ran out of fuel before the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Orlando, Florida, U.S. October 8, 2024. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez
Milton is unusual not only for its intensity but because it will strike Florida from the west, threatening a three-meter storm surge as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico—unlike most storms that come up Florida’s east coast.
U.S. officials have warned Florida residents and visitors to “Evacuate or die” echoing their warnings issued less than a month ago.
In preparation for the arrival of the storm, Floridians could be seen at home appliance stores, purchasing wood and any other materials they could get their hands on, to board up doors and windows.
One owner expressed the seeming futility of preparation efforts in the face of the overwhelming force of mother nature, and spray-painted “Pray for Orlando” over a window-covering.
“Pray for Orlando” reads on wood that was placed at a Home Depot before the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Orlando, Florida, U.S. October 8, 2024. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez
Milton has not yet arrived in the U.S., but it has already caused damage along its path, with media reports noting that Cuba has been hit by flooding. As Cubans struggle to deal with the storm surge, Americans are holding their breath, and bracing for impact.
