TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Milton intensified on Wednesday, threatening a devastating impact along Florida’s west coast. Despite millions being ordered to evacuate, some residents opted to stay behind, drawing warnings from officials about the extreme risks they would face.
The Tampa Bay area, with a population exceeding 3.3 million, braced for potential destruction, marking the first major hurricane threat in over a century. The National Hurricane Center indicated that while Milton, initially a formidable Category 5 hurricane, may weaken, it is expected to remain a significant storm upon landfall late Wednesday.
As of early Wednesday, Milton was situated approximately 360 miles southwest of Tampa, exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.
Meteorologists anticipate that the storm will maintain hurricane strength as it traverses central Florida on Thursday, heading east toward the Atlantic Ocean. The exact trajectory of the hurricane has created uncertainty, with projections indicating a possible shift south of Tampa.
Evacuation efforts resulted in congested highways as thousands sought safety. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned that predicted storm surges of up to 15 feet would have catastrophic consequences for those who choose to remain.
“If you’re in it, that’s essentially your coffin,” Castor stated.
Hurricane Milton poses additional threats to communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which recently caused extensive flooding and claimed at least 230 lives in the region.
In Punta Gorda, located about 100 miles south of Tampa, streets remained littered with debris left from Helene, with piles of ruined belongings filling neighborhoods.
Scott Joiner, an accountant, expressed his determination to weather the storm from his home. He recounted dangerous experiences from previous floods, underscoring the intensity of the situation.
“Water is vital, but it’s also incredibly dangerous,” Joiner said, explaining his choice to remain during the hurricane.
Mandatory evacuations were activated in 11 Florida counties, impacting approximately 5.9 million residents based on U.S. Census data.
Officials have cautioned that first responders will not conduct rescues during the peak of the storm, urging anyone who remains to prepare for self-sufficiency.
In Riverview, south of Tampa, several residents expressed their intention to stay put, prepared for the storm’s fury.
“We’ll just tough it out,” said one local, indicating the measures taken to safeguard their home.
Conversely, others remained on high alert due to prior damages from Helene. On Anna Maria Island, residents hurried to gather personal items as Milton approached.
State and local efforts intensified ahead of the storm, focusing on debris removal to prevent hazardous conditions. Governor Ron DeSantis reported substantial efforts to clear wreckage in preparation for Milton.
In nearby Mexico, minor damage was reported in the Yucatan as Milton skirted the coast, with local authorities assessing the aftermath.
