Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a dangerous Category 5 storm, poised to strike Florida just weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the state. With winds reaching up to 165 mph, Milton is set to hit the Yucatan Peninsula before heading to Florida’s west coast, prompting evacuation orders in areas like Tampa.
The recent hurricanes have sparked a political firestorm, with Vice President Kamala Harris criticizing former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for their handling of the situation and spreading misinformation. Communities still recovering from Helene are scrambling to clear debris, which could become dangerous projectiles in Milton’s winds.
Governor DeSantis has faced backlash for reportedly ignoring calls from Harris regarding recovery efforts. Meanwhile, residents are preparing for the worst, with forecasts predicting storm surges of up to 15 feet and heavy rainfall that could cause severe flooding.
As preparations continue, even Disney World plans to stay open, although some resorts are closing. The situation is dire, especially after Helene left at least 230 dead across several states. Experts warn that climate change may be intensifying these storms, creating more dangerous conditions for communities in their paths.