Hurricane Milton Intensifies as It Approaches Florida Coast, Posing Threat to Hundreds of Nepali Community Members

Hurricane Milton  is rapidly approaching the Florida Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall within the next few hours. The storm’s devastating winds and storm surge pose a significant threat to coastal communities, including hundreds of Nepali community members in the state.

As of now, Milton is just 50 miles from Sarasota. The storm’s powerful winds have already caused widespread damage across the state, with reports of downed trees, power outages, and flooding. The hurricane’s prolific tornado outbreak has also contributed to the destruction.

The exact location of landfall remains uncertain, but forecasters predict that Milton will make a direct hit on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm’s path could shift in the coming hours, affecting the severity of storm surge in the Tampa area and along the state’s coastline.

Hurricane Milton’s wind field has expanded significantly since yesterday, meaning its destructive impacts will be felt over a much larger area. Tropical-storm force winds are expected to cover the entire width of the Florida peninsula and reach as far north as Savannah by Thursday.

The Nepali community in Florida, particularly those residing in coastal areas, faces a significant threat from Hurricane Milton. As the storm approaches, residents are preparing for potential evacuation and safety measures. Nearly all of Florida is under threat from the hurricane, making it crucial for everyone to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

According to the 2020 census, there are 2,547 Nepalis in Florida; however, this number is believed to be an undercount. One estimate indicates that the highest population of Nepalis in Florida resides in West Pensacola, followed by Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Port St. Lucie, Cape Coral, and Tallahassee.

The storm has already caused widespread power outages across Florida, with over 300,000 customers already affected. Energy companies are warning that up to 1 million power outages are expected across the state as Milton moves in.

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