Florida To 'Bear the Brunt' Of Impacts From Incoming Storm
NewsweekSEP 20 2024
Hurricane Milton, a potential category 3 storm, is reportedly expected to hit Florida this week, merely days after the category 4 Hurricane Helene ravaged the state.
Florida is preparing for the largest evacuation in seven years as storm Milton is expected to merge with remnants of storm Tropical Depression Eleven-E.
Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida midweek, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said. By Monday, it was creating wind speeds of nearly 100mph.
The incoming storm poses a serious threat to Florida, potentially hindering Hurricane Helene relief efforts. With the possibility of up to 12 inches of rain in some areas, there's a high risk of flooding that could inundate roads in major cities. The rapid succession of severe weather events highlights the increasing intensity of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The potential storm's impact may be less severe than anticipated. With only a 40 percent chance of strengthening into a tropical storm, it might remain a tropical rainstorm, bringing much-needed precipitation to drought-affected areas. The focus should be on preparedness rather than panic, as Florida has robust emergency management systems in place.
Clearly, hurricanes are no longer just Florida's problem, and Hurricane Helene reminded us of this new reality. Climate change has expanded the reach of these storms and even "climate havens" of yesteryears are now vulnerable. The destruction spanning hundreds of miles aside, intense rainfall can saturate regions far inland, leading to catastrophic flooding and landslides. The entire country must brace for the possibility of hurricane-related disasters, regardless of proximity to the coast. We're all in this together now.