BREAKING: Hurricane Milton strengthens into Category 5 storm with Florida bracing for life-threatening impacts

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From Fox Weather: Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane as the monster storm continues to spin across the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on a path toward Florida where it will bring the risk of life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds and flooding rain.

According to the NHC, maximum sustained winds within Milton increased to 160 mph.

And as the potentially deadly storm continues on its path toward Florida, millions of people across the region are preparing for life-threatening impacts such as a deadly storm surge, destructive winds and flooding rain.

Hurricane Watches, Tropical Storm Watches and Storm Surge Watches have all been issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and those are expected to be upgraded as the storm moves closer to the Sunshine State.

And while residents are preparing, thousands are also fleeing the coast as officials call for voluntary and mandatory evacuations ahead of the storm.

Cities along the west coast of Florida who are in the direct path of the oncoming storm include Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples.

Traffic leaving Tampa was already bumper-to-bumper on Sunday:

The National Hurricane Center posted the following update mid-morning on Monday: “10:55 CDT Monday Update: Milton rapidly intensifies into a category 5 hurricane. Data from a @53rdWRS hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to 160 mph (250 km/h) with higher gusts.”

Joe Biden released the following statement: “I just approved an emergency declaration from the State of Florida and ordered federal assistance to supplement response efforts that may arise due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Milton. We expect this storm to again make landfall in western Florida and are working quickly to preposition federal response personnel and assets.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday morning:

Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a major hurricane and is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida as soon as Wednesday evening. @FLSERT is addressing more than 600 resource requests from communities in the storm’s path. We are deploying truckloads of food and water, ambulances, Starlinks, and more than 2,000 feet of flood protection systems to protect critical infrastructure in Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area. We are also amassing an additional 1.5 million gallons of fuel reserves and staging them to be utilized as needed.

Local officials and their vendors must continue clearing debris from Hurricane Helene, before Hurricane Milton makes landfall. The state of Florida has marshaled unprecedented resources to help with debris removal. The Division of Emergency Management, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, and the Florida Highway Patrol have been activated and deployed to aid in this mission. Nearly 9,000 cubic yards have been removed from the barrier islands of Pinellas County, and the work will continue for as long as it’s safe to do so.

As per my Executive Order on Saturday, local landfill and dump sites must remain open 24/7 to safely dispose of debris from Hurricane Helene. We have no time for bureaucracy and red tape.

The NWS Tampa Bay warned, “If the storm stays on the current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years.”

Ivanka Trump, who lives in Miamia, Florida, wrote, “With so many grieving the devastating loss of life and destruction from Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton is inbound and, after rapidly intensifying, is now designated a Category 5. The threat to life and property is severe. If you’re in an area with evacuation orders, please heed them, follow local advice, and prioritize safety. Stay informed and be safe, everyone!”

Debris left behind after Hurricane Helene will now be flying through the air when Hurricane Milton hits.

Gov. DeSantis has ordered a round-the-clock effort by national guardsmen and other officials to help haul the debris to the dumps.

Meteorologist Ella Dorsey posted a video and explained, “This is Anna Maria Island, near Tampa, after Helene. A complete loss- looks like a bomb went off. The residents didn’t have time to clear this debris before having to evacuate again for Hurricane Milton, which will be a major hurricane when it hits on Wednesday. Heart breaking.”

Journalist Laura Loomer shared some advice to voters:

“Hurricane Milton has just now Intensified and formed into a Category 5 Hurricane as it approaches Florida. It has triggered the largest evacuation orders in the state of Florida since 2017. If you’re in an evacuation zone, evacuate now, take your pets with you, and go to the supervisor of elections (SOE) office in your county and request your early ballot on the spot and vote now. You can request it and fill it out and turn it in now on the spot in person. Voting locations, post offices and mail boxes will likely be destroyed in this storm. Don’t let the weather steal your vote.”

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