Forecasts of unprecedented destructive power of superstorm Milton are making millions of Americans 'hold their breath'

Unprecedented warning issued for Hurricane Milton in the US state of Florida.

Satellite image of Hurricane Milton taken on October 8th - Photo: CNN

According to CNN, Hurricane Milton is heading towards the Florida coast as a Category 5 hurricane – the highest category on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Hurricane Milton had sustained winds of up to 270 km/h. As of 7 p.m. on October 8 (US time), the storm's center was located 710 km southwest of Tampa, Florida, moving at a speed of 17 km/h east-northeast.

The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida late on October 9th or early on October 10th. Hurricane forecasters are emphasizing that people should remain vigilant and prepare for last-minute changes in the hurricane's path.

The populous West Coast of Florida, still reeling from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago, is now preparing for Hurricane Milton's landfall in the Tampa Bay area.

If Hurricane Milton makes a direct path into Tampa Bay, it would be the first time since 1921 that this has happened.

According to Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the WMO has run out of adjectives to describe Hurricane Milton, having used words like unprecedented, catastrophic, historic, and record-breaking to describe this superstorm.

It is worth noting that, in addition to Milton, according to Ms. Nullis, there are currently two other storms in the Atlantic: Hurricane Leslie and Hurricane Kirk.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Milton's wind field is expected to expand as it approaches Florida. In fact, official forecasts suggest the storm's wind speeds could double by the time it makes landfall.

The storm also poses a risk of storm surge along hundreds of kilometers of coastline, with water levels rising 3-4.5 meters north and south of Tampa Bay. Additionally, the storm carries the risk of flash flooding inland due to heavy rainfall.

Americans are vigilant and comply with evacuation orders.

Residents buy wooden planks to reinforce their homes ahead of Hurricane Milton - Photo: REUTERS

Given the dangers posed by Hurricane Milton, US President Joe Biden urged residents in evacuation zones in Florida to evacuate immediately.

Speaking from the White House, the American leader said: "I have been briefed by senior administration leaders and we are stepping up preparations for Hurricane Milton. This could be one of the worst hurricanes in Florida in the last 100 years."

In an update on Hurricane Milton on October 8th, President Biden emphasized: "You should evacuate immediately. This is a matter of life and death, and this is not an exaggeration."

On October 8, President Biden announced the cancellation of his trip to Germany and Angola, in order to stay and monitor the developments of Hurricane Milton.

Learning from Hurricane Helene, many Americans prepared thoroughly and evacuated as required.

In Tampa, Estephani Veliz Hernandez said she and her family were packing up pets, important documents, and cash before heading to a relative's house further inland.

"We're leaving everything behind. We're just trying to get to safety. If something happens, at least we'll still be together," she said.

Ken Wood, a ferry operator in Florida, was preparing to evacuate with his cat. Two weeks earlier, Wood had defied an evacuation order for Hurricane Helene and endured terrifying hours. "We won't make the same mistake again," he said.

Many people also rushed to fill up their gas tanks. According to market tracking firm GasBuddy, about 17% of Florida's nearly 8,000 gas stations had run out of fuel by the end of October 8th.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/du-bao-suc-cong-pha-chua-tung-co-cua-sieu-bao-milton-dang-khien-hang-trieu-nguoi-my-nin-tho-172241009093200117.htm