The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned on October 9, 2024, that Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast between the night of October 9 and the morning of October 10, and it is being described as "catastrophic and deadly." Residents are urged to evacuate as the hurricane approaches.
With maximum sustained winds of 230 km/h, Hurricane Milton has been classified as a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale and poses an "extremely life-threatening situation" according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is expected to bring damaging winds and torrential rainfall, risking catastrophic urban flooding.
Florida officials have warned that those who remain in single-story homes could face life-threatening conditions, with Tampa Congresswoman Kathy Castor stating, "We are a few hours away from an epic catastrophe." The Tampa metropolitan area, which houses over 3 million people, is directly in the hurricane's path.
As millions evacuated, airlines increased flights out of affected cities, and highways became congested with fleeing residents. President Joe Biden emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "It is literally a matter of life and death," and urged Floridians to take the necessary precautions.
The storm follows closely behind Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage and over 230 fatalities in the southeastern United States just weeks prior. Meteorologists predict that while Milton may weaken after landfall, it will still pose severe risks to the region.
FEMA has deployed emergency response teams and is preparing for the storm's impact. The agency's administrator warned that residents should be ready for catastrophic outcomes as Milton approaches.