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Tag: storm surge

  • It had downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 195km/h (120 miles per hour) as it hit Siesta Key slightly earlier than expected on Wednesday.

    Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall on Florida’s West Coast, Downgraded After Sweeping Through Central Florida

    Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night as a powerful Category 3 storm. Striking near Siesta Key, a barrier island in Sarasota County, at approximately 8:30 PM EDT (03:00 GMT), Milton initially packed maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

    Milton, which started as a tropical depression on October 5, intensified into a Category 1 hurricane by October 6. By Monday, it had rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 storm, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale. However, by the time it reached Florida’s coast on Wednesday, it had weakened slightly to Category 3.

    As Hurricane Milton barreled through central Florida, it quickly weakened further to a Category 1, bringing heavy rainfall and widespread power outages before exiting into the Atlantic Ocean. The storm’s aftermath adds to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck the Gulf Coast on September 26, claiming over 225 lives.

    While the impact of Hurricane Milton is still being assessed, Florida residents are dealing with flooded roads, downed trees, and disrupted power supplies across the state.

    This back-to-back hurricane activity raises concerns over the increased frequency and intensity of storms in the region, as experts analyze the implications of this year’s hurricane season on Florida’s coastal communities.

    Stay tuned for more updates on recovery efforts and ongoing weather forecasts as Milton moves further into the Atlantic.

    Source : Swifteradio.com

  • Live Updates: Hurricane Milton Strengthens, Urgent Evacuations in Florida

    Live Updates: Hurricane Milton Strengthens, Urgent Evacuations in Florida

    Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying as it approaches Florida, with forecasters warning of destructive winds, dangerous storm surges, and severe flooding throughout the week. The Category 5 storm, currently moving from the Yucatan Peninsula, is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast by Wednesday night.

    The U.S. National Hurricane Center has described the situation as “extremely life-threatening,” urging residents in the hurricane zone to evacuate immediately. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 51 counties and is imploring residents to leave their homes as soon as possible to avoid heavy traffic congestion and ensure their safety.

    Traffic and Evacuation Updates

    In a press conference Tuesday morning, Governor DeSantis reported that traffic on major interstates has increased significantly, with northbound traffic on Interstate 25 averaging around 20 mph. Residents are advised that shelters are available within a reasonable distance, eliminating the need for extensive travel to escape the storm.

    To facilitate evacuations, tolls have been suspended, and highway shoulders are being utilized to accommodate the surge in vehicles. Uber is also offering free rides to and from shelters using the promo code “MiltonRelief.”

    Airline Disruptions and Shelter Availability

    Tampa International Airport announced it would suspend flights at 9 AM EDT on Tuesday, and Orlando International Airport will close at 8 AM EDT on Wednesday. These closures are expected to impact flights to and from Canadian airports, with Toronto Pearson monitoring the situation closely.

    Residents are reminded that power outages are likely once Milton makes landfall. They should ensure their devices are charged and make necessary preparations for shelter.

    Recovery from Hurricane Helene

    Florida is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which claimed at least 230 lives and caused significant destruction along the Gulf Coast. Many communities are in the process of recovering from the devastation as Hurricane Milton looms on the horizon.

    Heavy rain has already begun in parts of Florida, with reports indicating that Hurricane Milton could bring severe storm surges and additional flooding.

    Source: Swifteradio

  • Hurricane Helene Live Updates: Death Toll Climbs to 182 Amid Ongoing Search for the Missing

    Hurricane Helene Live Updates: Death Toll Climbs to 182 Amid Ongoing Search for the Missing

    As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene unfolds, the devastation has been catastrophic across several states. As of October 2, 2024, the death toll has tragically risen to at least 182, marking it as the deadliest hurricane to impact the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina.

    The storm, which made landfall on Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend region as a formidable Category 4 hurricane, has wreaked havoc across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. The storm surge, severe wind damage, and significant inland flooding have left neighborhoods submerged, residents stranded, and homes destroyed.

    Latest Developments:

    • Death Toll: At least 182 confirmed fatalities, with hundreds still reported missing.
    • Power Outages: Approximately 1.2 million customers remain without power in various southern states.
    • Government Response: President Biden has deployed up to 1,000 active-duty troops to support recovery efforts in North Carolina. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed gratitude to officials for their ongoing recovery initiatives and is scheduled to travel to Georgia on Wednesday.

    As recovery efforts continue, emergency responders and National Guard members are tirelessly searching for those still missing and assisting affected communities. Relief organizations are mobilizing to provide support to individuals and families impacted by the storm.

    Source: ABC News