Florida on Alert: Category 5 Hurricane Milton Looms

AFP/APP

Tampa, United States: US President Joe Biden has urgently called on Florida residents to evacuate as Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 5 storm, heads toward the state’s west coast.

In a press conference from the White House, Biden emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “It’s a matter of life and death, and that’s not hyperbole.” He implored those under evacuation orders to “evacuate now, now, now.”

As of Tuesday, Hurricane Milton has regained its maximum Category 5 status, with sustained winds reaching 165 mph (270 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC has warned of potential fluctuations in the storm’s intensity as it traverses the eastern Gulf of Mexico but predicts it will remain a dangerous major hurricane when it makes landfall on Florida’s west-central coast Wednesday night.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis provided an update during a news conference, indicating that “basically the entire peninsula portion of Florida is under some type of either a watch or a warning.” He outlined the towns and regions that are at risk.

In anticipation of the storm, airlines have added extra flights from Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Sarasota, while highways are experiencing heavy congestion as residents attempt to flee. Many gas stations have reported fuel shortages as locals stock up in preparation for the impending disaster.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as Hurricane Milton approaches.