Hurricane Milton intensifies to Category 5 as Florida issues evacuation orders

 

BELLEAIR BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm on Monday, gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico as it headed toward Florida, threatening a dangerous storm surge in Tampa Bay. The impending storm has led to evacuation orders, long lines at gas stations, and heightened urgency for cleanup efforts after Hurricane Helene swamped the same stretch of coastline less than two weeks ago.

A hurricane warning was issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, with much of Florida’s west coast under hurricane and storm-surge watches. Lake Okeechobee, which is prone to flooding during intense storms, was also placed under a hurricane watch.

“This is the real deal with Milton,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned at a press conference. “Mother Nature wins 100% of the time if you take her on.”

Milton intensified swiftly and was expected to grow into a large hurricane as it approached the eastern Gulf. With sustained winds of 160 mph, the storm was centered about 130 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and approximately 720 miles southwest of Tampa by midday Monday, moving east-southeast at 9 mph. The storm is predicted to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area by Wednesday, potentially remaining a hurricane as it crosses central Florida.

Forecasters warned of an 8 to 12-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay, with flash flooding expected from 5 to 10 inches of rain, and up to 15 inches in isolated areas across mainland Florida and the Keys.

The region is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which claimed 12 lives and caused severe damage along the coastline from St. Petersburg to Clearwater. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of clearing debris from Helene to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles during Milton. In one case, state troopers had to break open a locked landfill gate to allow crews to dispose of debris, underscoring the need to cut through "bureaucracy and red tape," according to DeSantis.

Pinellas County lifeguards removed beach furniture and other items that could become airborne in Milton’s strong winds. Residents like Sarah Steslicki of Belleair Beach expressed frustration over delayed debris removal, worrying that it could become hazardous in the storm. 

Tampa and surrounding areas have been ordered to evacuate mobile and manufactured homes by Tuesday night. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister urged residents to take evacuation orders seriously, acknowledging the difficult timing as many are still recovering from Helene. “If you safeguard your families, you will be alive,” Chronister said.

Milton’s rapid intensification — a 92 mph increase in wind speeds within 24 hours — is one of the fastest on record, behind only Hurricanes Wilma in 2005 and Felix in 2007. The small, compact storm with a “pinhole eye” drew energy from the unusually warm waters of the Gulf, according to hurricane experts. Milton may undergo an eyewall replacement cycle, which could slightly weaken the storm but expand its size.

In anticipation of the storm, gas stations in the Tampa area began running out of fuel on Monday, despite ongoing deliveries. The state had stockpiled hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel to meet demand. Some residents, like Tanya Marunchak of Belleair Beach, were unsure whether to evacuate, with her home having sustained severe flooding from Helene just weeks earlier. 

Hillsborough Fire Rescue Chief Jason Dougherty emphasized the life-or-death stakes, warning that those who don’t evacuate could risk not only their lives but the lives of first responders trying to save them.

As Milton approaches, disruptions have begun across Florida and Mexico. The University of Central Florida announced midweek closures, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers relocated to New Orleans for their NFL game against the Saints. Airports in the region are preparing to close, and all school activities in Pinellas County were suspended through Wednesday, with schools converted into shelters.

In Mexico, coastal areas in Yucatan canceled classes as Milton was expected to graze the region, affecting cities like Progreso and Merida.

While Tampa has not seen a direct hit from a hurricane in over a century, Florida’s Gulf Coast is still recovering from recent hurricanes, including Ian in 2022 and Helene just weeks ago. The state braces for another potentially historic storm as Milton approaches.