Sarasota Braces for Flooding and Destruction from Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, is set to hit Florida’s Central Gulf Coast overnight on Wednesday. While it may weaken slightly before reaching land, Milton is still expected to be a major hurricane capable of causing severe damage. Experts are warning that this could be one of the most destructive storms causing widespread flooding to the Bradenton and Sarasota region has ever seen. The exact location of its landfall is still uncertain, which could affect where the worst storm surges occur, particularly in the Tampa area and along the Gulf Coast.
The size of Hurricane Milton has also grown, increasing the threat it poses. In just the past 24 hours, the storm’s tropical-storm-force winds have expanded from 105 miles to 125 miles from its center. This means that even if Milton weakens, its damaging winds and heavy rain will affect a much wider area. Many parts of the Florida peninsula will feel the storm’s impacts, with widespread wind damage and flooding likely.
Extreme Flooding From Storm Surge and Category Four Winds
As the storm approaches, officials are urging residents to take action now. The outer bands of Milton have already started to reach the coast, bringing rain and tropical-storm-force winds. By the afternoon, conditions are expected to worsen significantly. Authorities have called this the “11th hour” for evacuations, stressing that residents need to leave immediately if they are in an evacuation zone. Waiting any longer could make it too dangerous to escape safely.
Florida residents are being advised to prepare for the storm’s arrival by securing their homes and following evacuation orders. The situation is changing rapidly, so people should stay updated on Milton’s path using tools like CNN’s storm tracker. With time running out, the focus is on safety and ensuring that everyone is out of harm’s way before Hurricane Milton makes landfall.