Eric Trump, son of presidential candidate Donald Trump and Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, announced on his X account that his father is providing complimentary accommodations at the Trump National Doral Miami. This upscale golf resort in South Florida will host 275 linemen from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) as they gear up to address potential power outages caused by Hurricane Milton. "It's an honor to have 275 incredible FPL linemen at the @TrumpDoral as they prepare to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane #Milton. They're amazing, and both the Trump Family and the entire state of Florida thank them! Enjoy the rooms, they're the best in Florida! Stay safe!" the businessman added.
The Menace of Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton has emerged as a formidable tropical cyclone, reaching Category 5 status, and is recognized as one of the most devastating storms of the 2024 hurricane season. It rapidly developed in the Gulf of Mexico, escalating into a major hurricane with sustained winds exceeding 160 mph (260 km/h). The storm is primarily targeting Florida, specifically the Tampa region, where it threatens to unleash destructive storm surges, widespread flooding, and catastrophic damage.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for vulnerable areas, warning residents of the severe risks posed by this hurricane. Meteorological projections suggest that Milton could inflict significant damage on infrastructure and lead to extended power outages.
Milton's Arrival in Florida
The hurricane is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast on the night of October 9, 2024, or during the early hours of October 10. The latest updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicate that the eye of Hurricane Milton is just hours away from impacting the Tampa region. Here, authorities have issued evacuation orders and warnings about storm surges and strong winds. Hazardous conditions are anticipated to persist in Florida for 36 to 48 hours following its arrival.
Potential Destruction from Hurricane Milton
As a Category 5 hurricane, Milton has the potential to cause widespread and severe destruction in the areas it hits. The anticipated damages include:
- Storm Surges: Destructive surges could rise up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) above sea level in parts of Florida's west coast, such as Tampa. These surges might inundate coastal areas, severely affecting infrastructure, homes, and roads, and endangering the lives of those who do not evacuate.
- Flooding: Torrential rains associated with Hurricane Milton could lead to 6 to 18 inches of rainfall across the Florida peninsula. This could result in flash floods and urban flooding, impacting cities and towns, and causing significant damage to properties and roads.
- Destructive Winds: With winds surpassing 160 mph, Milton's hurricane-force winds can tear roofs off homes, topple vehicles, damage buildings, and down trees and power lines, leading to prolonged power outages.
- Tornadoes: Hurricanes of this magnitude often spawn tornadoes, adding an additional layer of destruction and causing localized damage to structures, further endangering lives.
- Infrastructure Damage: Milton could destroy bridges, roads, and utility lines, complicating recovery efforts. In affected areas, weaker buildings may be completely destroyed, while more robust structures could suffer serious structural damage.
According to authorities, this hurricane could be one of the most destructive to hit Florida in the past century, with devastating consequences for coastal communities and the state as a whole.