Closure of Tampa Airport: Hurricane Milton threatens Florida

Hurricane Milton has weakened to a Category 4 as it approaches Florida’s west coast through the Gulf of Mexico.

Currently a Category 4 hurricane, it is expected to make landfall in Tampa on Wednesday night.

Its outer bands are already causing destruction in several areas of the state since Tuesday.

With winds up to 155 mph and storm surges reaching 15 feet, Milton is forecasted to be more devastating than Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Milton brings chaos due to mass evacuation in Florida

Helene struck some of these areas last month, resulting in the death of 230 people.

Millions of people under mandatory evacuation orders are attempting to leave Florida, creating chaos on the roads.

Tampa International Airport closed indefinitely on Tuesday morning due to hazardous conditions.

In Tampa Bay, water systems and fire hydrants have been shut off to protect the infrastructure.

Officials in Manatee County stated that this is necessary to preserve pumping stations.

In the city of Venice, taps and hydrants will remain closed until the storm has passed.

Once services are restored, a boil water notice will be issued for safety.

Tampa is considered the most vulnerable metropolis in the U.S. to storm surges, according to Dr. Steven Godby.

Godby explained that the combination of shallow waters and a large population makes Tampa particularly susceptible.

The last significant hurricane to hit this area was in 1921, causing damages estimated at $180 million in today’s dollars.

Additionally, debris from Hurricane Helene increases the risk of projectiles driven by Milton’s strong winds.

Businesses in Florida are preparing by boarding up windows and using sandbags ahead of the hurricane’s arrival.

The National Hurricane Center has warned that even well-built structures could suffer catastrophic damage.

Satellite images show lightning within the eye of Hurricane Milton as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico.

Milton has doubled in size, with its wind field now extending over 100 miles from its center.

Authorities continue urging evacuations before the full impact of the hurricane.

Roads in Florida, especially around the Fort Myers and Cape Coral areas, are jammed with heavy traffic.