USA
“If they stay, they die” – Milton classified in the highest hurricane category 5: The maps show the danger
Another dangerous hurricane hits the southeast coast of the USA: Everything you need to know about “Milton”.
Around a week and a half after “Helene”, the US state of Florida is preparing for the next dangerous hurricane: “Milton”.
The storm poses an “extremely serious” threat to Florida and is life-threatening, authorities said.
The most important maps and graphics for the monster hurricane.
How strong is Hurricane Milton?
In the US state of Florida, preparations for the approaching hurricane “Milton” are in full swing: millions of people have been asked to seek safety. Many are barricading their homes and preparing for the worst. The storm, which is expected to hit Florida’s west coast on Wednesday evening (local time), could be one of the most dangerous in the state’s history. President Joe Biden postponed his planned visit to Germany to focus on the crisis.
Storm “Milton”, which is classified in the highest hurricane category 5, poses major challenges for the emergency services in Florida. According to forecasts, it is likely to weaken before it makes landfall, but its enormous extent still holds significant potential for destruction – especially in the region around the coastal metropolis of Tampa.
The Pentagon said thousands of National Guard troops had been mobilized. Helicopters and flood-capable vehicles are available for rescue operations. Emergency centers across the state were stocked with supplies to provide rapid relief in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Where the strongest winds are expected, stated in miles per hour.
Image: National Hurricane Center
Where will Hurricane Milton make landfall?
According to forecasts, “Milton” will make landfall in Florida on Wednesday morning (local time). The cities of Naples, Fort Meyers and Tampa are particularly at risk.
US President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for the state of Florida. This will release federal funds for support in the affected regions.
The expected timing of Hurricane Milton until Friday morning.
Image: National Hurricane Center
What consequences do the authorities expect?
“Milton” has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes ever recorded in this region, the National Hurricane Center said. Normally dry areas near the coast could be flooded by the rising waters. Storm surges with water levels of up to five meters and destructive winds are to be expected.
Flooding is to be expected, especially on the coasts.
Image: National Hurricane Center
While “Helene” mainly brought water, “Milton” will also bring strong wind.
In view of the approaching hurricane, three large theme parks in Florida announced closures on Tuesday. Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld no longer wanted to welcome visitors on Wednesday. Universal and SeaWorld said they would remain closed Thursday. Disney has not yet made a final statement.
Orlando Airport had previously announced that operations would be suspended starting Wednesday morning. The airport is the seventh busiest in the United States and the busiest in Florida.
Nowhere in the USA do more tourists come than Orlando. Last year alone there were 74 million. Disney also very rarely stops operating its amusement park. During hurricanes, residents from Florida’s coastal areas often seek refuge in the theme park’s hotels. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, actress Kristen Bell, who gave her voice to Anna from Frozen, stayed there with the guests.
According to forecasts, these areas will be most affected.
Image: National Hurricane Center
Warnings to the population are becoming more dramatic
Meanwhile, the warnings to the population are becoming more and more alarming: “I can say without any dramatization: If you choose to stay in one of the evacuation areas, you will die,” said the mayor of the city of Tampa, Jane Castor, on CNN. In several parts of the US state, people have been asked to seek safety. In some cases, the shoulders of the roads were opened up as traffic lanes.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis strongly appealed to the population to take the evacuation orders seriously. However, many who wanted to leave the area encountered difficulties: CNN reported traffic jams, fuel shortages and fully booked hotels. Numerous airports stopped operations. The US government issued a warning to airlines after reports of extortionate pricing circulated on social media. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that he would be monitoring this closely.
An overview of the most important warnings from the authorities.
Image: National Hurricane Center
According to CNN, a zoo in Tampa and the aquarium are also preparing for the storm. Corals will be housed in other aquariums, while animal accommodation is currently being secured in the zoo.
Hurricanes keep the insurance industry on tenterhooks
Just over a week ago, storm “Helene” made landfall in northwest Florida as a second-highest category hurricane. The storm then weakened, but caused severe flooding and destruction as it moved north. More than 200 people in six states were killed.
Initial estimates show how hard a major hurricane like “Helene” can hit insurers. The analysis department of the rating agency Moody’s estimates the damage costs for private insurers to be between 8 and 14 billion US dollars. The still large range shows how uncertain this estimate is.
According to Moody’s RMS, the insured damage primarily includes damage to buildings and business interruptions in companies. Additional damage of more than $2 billion would be covered by the state’s flood insurance policy (NFIP). And the uninsured damage could even amount to $25 billion.
