Floridians prepare as another hurricane threatens to strike Florida grounds. Victims, who  are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, cannot catch a break. Fear of the unknown has left supermarkets without water and toilet paper as citizens prepare for the strong hurricane to come. Hurricane Milton has been set to hit Florida October 9, 2024 as a category 4 hurricane with winds of 120 mph, and 8-10 inches of rainfall to come. Governor Ron DeSantis says, “If you’re on that west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you’ll be asked to leave.” DeSantis also puts 51 counties in the state of Florida under a state of emergency. 

Floridians are waiting anxiously for updates of the progression of Hurricane Milton as it makes its way to Florida. Hurricane Milton has prompted the biggest evacuation plan since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Senior Maddie Trese says “I’m worried about the flooding and hoping that it doesn’t hit Fort.Lauderdale too strong, I’m praying for everyone’s safety.” Another senior, Sofia Williamson, says “I don’t think we will get affected as badly as the west coast of Florida, they are the ones who should be worried about the storm mostly.” Hurricane Milton is yet to make landfall, but it should be taken seriously and everyone should observe precaution.

UPDATE:

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida.  Classified as a Category five hurricane, it had the possibility to be the most powerful hurricane since the deadly Hurricane Katrina. 

The Hurricane’s Pathway Throughout the Atlantic

On October 5th, Tropical Storm Milton passed into the Gulf of Mexico. The very next day it was labeled as Hurricane Milton, and the nightmare had just begun. October 9th was the day that the Category 5 hurricane was set to make landfall in Florida and wreak havoc in the Tampa and Orlando area. However, instead of being a Category 5, the hurricane made landfall as a Category 3. The hurricane swept through the northern part of the panhandle, causing significant damage to buildings, businesses, and people in its path.

The Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton caused a variety of damage throughout Florida. According to nbcnews.com, about three million people are without power as of October 10th, 2024. The deadly hurricane left at least fourteen dead with around 350 people being rescued. The hurricane produced 18 inches of rainfall and caused a whopping 126 tornado warnings throughout its wrath while 38 touched the ground.