Florida is bracing for extensive evacuations as Hurricane Milton, deemed the most severe storm to hit the state in the past century, approaches. The major hurricane, currently classified as a Category 5, is steadily moving towards Tampa and is predicted to inflict catastrophic damage and prolonged power outages upon making landfall on the west coast.
Despite the significant threat posed by Hurricane Milton, some residents are choosing to stay put, refusing to evacuate with their families and thereby putting themselves in grave danger. President Joe Biden has urged residents in the affected areas to evacuate immediately, emphasizing that it is a "matter of life or death."
Military and Local Responses
The National Guard has deployed 8,000 troops, and mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in several counties, including Pinellas, where over 500,000 individuals are required to leave their homes. Although Miami-Dade is not expected to be among the hardest-hit areas, the mayor has advised residents living in flood-prone zones, mobile homes, or those with special health needs to voluntarily evacuate as of Monday.
Severe Weather Warnings
The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings about dangerous storm surges and torrential rains that could lead to sudden flooding. Authorities warn that Hurricane Milton might become one of the most destructive storms in the region's history, which is still recovering from the recent impact of Hurricane Helene.