Hurricane Milton Set to Impact Tampa Bay

Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 5 storm, is projected to make landfall in Tampa, Florida, a city that has not faced a direct hurricane hit in over a century. Governor Ron DeSantis has warned residents to prepare for severe impacts, with evacuation orders affecting approximately four million people. The National Hurricane Center predicts dangerous storm surges of 8 to 12 feet and significant rainfall, raising concerns about widespread flooding and damage. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has emphasized the catastrophic nature of the storm, urging residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately to avoid potential fatalities. Meanwhile, President Biden has communicated with DeSantis and Castor to offer federal support, amid political tensions regarding disaster response. A simulation conducted in 2009 eerily predicted the devastating consequences of a direct strike, underscoring the gravity of the current situation as residents brace for the storm's arrival.