Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
Florida Declares State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Milton Approaches
A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Florida as officials warn that a tropical storm could intensify and impact the already devastated Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center has cautioned that Storm Milton, currently located off the coast of Mexico, is "expected to strengthen rapidly" and could pose "life-threatening hazards" to areas along Florida's west coast.
This announcement comes just 10 days after Storm Helene, the deadliest storm to hit the mainland since Katrina in 2005, swept through the southeastern United States, claiming at least 225 lives, with hundreds still unaccounted for. In Florida, where Helene resulted in at least 14 fatalities, Governor Ron DeSantis issued the emergency declaration for 35 counties, stating that preparations are underway to restore power and clear roads in anticipation of Milton's arrival.
As of 02:00 EST (06:00 GMT) on Sunday, Storm Milton had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h). The Hurricane Center noted that Milton is moving slowly and is "expected to strengthen rapidly."
“There is increasing confidence that a powerful hurricane with life-threatening hazards will be affecting portions of the Florida west coast around the middle of this week,” the Center added. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in the region from Sunday into Monday, with additional rain and strong winds expected on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Forecasts suggest rainfall could reach between 5 to 8 inches (127 to 203 mm) across the Florida Peninsula and the Keys, with some areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches (304 mm), raising concerns of flash flooding and minor to moderate river flooding along parts of the west coast.
The new storm arrives as recovery efforts from Storm Helene could take years, according to U.S. government officials. While most of the fatalities from Helene occurred in North Carolina, other states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, also reported casualties.
Hundreds of roads remain closed, complicating efforts to deliver aid to severely impacted communities. Storm Helene, which made landfall as a category-four hurricane, caused extensive damage to infrastructure, resulting in flash floods and power outages affecting millions of homes.
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