Heads Up, Florida! Hurricane Milton Intensifies: Major Impacts Expected on West Coast—Be Prepared!

Photo byiSkyNews

By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)

Published October 5th, 2024

Florida, it’s time to pay attention! The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has just upgraded Hurricane Milton, and it’s rapidly intensifying as it heads towards the west coast of Florida. Expected to hit midweek, Milton is bringing with it life-threatening storm surge, high winds, heavy rain, and even the possibility of tornadoes. Now is the time to prepare, so let’s go over what you need to know.

Hurricane Helene's Deadly Reminder

Hurricane Helene left a tragic legacy, with a death toll of at least 227 lives across six states. Many people who lost their lives did so because they didn’t evacuate, failed to secure their homes, or simply underestimated the severity of the storm. This serves as a reminder of how dangerous hurricanes can be if proper precautions are not taken.

Photo byNational Hurricane Center (NHC)

What to Expect from Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton barrels toward the west coast, here’s what you need to prepare for:

• Life-threatening storm surge: Significant coastal flooding is expected, which could cause major damage to homes and infrastructure.
• High winds: These could result in power outages, fallen trees, and structural damage.
• Heavy rainfall: Starting as early as Sunday and continuing through Wednesday, leading to flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
• Tornadoes: Milton has the potential to spawn tornadoes, which can cause additional destruction.

Safety Tips for Hurricanes

Don’t make the same mistakes as those affected by Hurricane Helene. Take these steps to protect yourself and your family:

1. Prepare Your Hurricane Kit:
2. • Water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, medications.
   • Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio for emergency communications.
   • Important documents stored in a waterproof container.
   • Personal hygiene items, first aid kit, and extra cash in case ATMs are down.
3. Secure Your Home:
4. • Bring in or tie down anything that could blow away, like patio furniture, trash cans, and decorations.
   • Board up windows or use hurricane shutters to protect against flying debris.
   • Reinforce garage doors—they are a common weak point during high winds.
5. Know Your Evacuation Zone:
6. • If you’re in a flood-prone area or an evacuation zone, follow local authorities' advice and evacuate if instructed. Have your route mapped out in advance.
7. Prepare for Power Outages:
8. • Charge your devices, stock up on batteries, and fill up your gas tanks. If you have a generator, make sure it’s fueled and ready.

Tornado Safety Tips During Milton

With tornadoes possibly forming during the storm, here’s how to stay safe even without a basement:

1. Go to an interior room: Find a windowless room in the center of your house—think closets, bathrooms, or hallways.
2. Protect Yourself: Get low to the ground, cover your head, and use pillows, blankets, or even a mattress for extra protection from flying debris.
3. Avoid Mobile Homes: If you’re in a mobile home, find sturdier shelter immediately.

Take Action Now—Learn from Hurricane Helene

The devastating loss of life from Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking storms seriously. With at least 227 fatalities, many of them could have been prevented with the right precautions. Don’t let Hurricane Milton become another disaster—prepare now, follow safety guidelines, and stay informed.

Milton is a powerful storm, but with the right preparation, we can minimize its impact and stay safe. Keep an eye on updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities, and act fast to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Photo byiSkyNews.com