Flash flood risk as Hurricane Milton makes landfall in the US

According to the US National Weather Service, Hurricane Milton is expected to soon make landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast on the evening of October 9 (local time) at a speed of 198 km/h with wind gusts of up to 250 km/h, causing extremely heavy rain in the Tampa Bay area, increasing the risk of deadly flash floods.

Milton could become one of the most destructive storms on record for Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm’s powerful tornado line caused damage in parts of Fort Myers early on October 9. Hurricane-force winds are expected to stretch the entire width of the Florida peninsula, stretching from Miami to Savannah on October 10. Tampa has already seen more than 6 inches of rain, with 8 inches forecast to fall in the next six hours.

Power poles in Fort Myers, Florida, fell due to Hurricane Milton. Photo: REUTERS

According to CNN, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the state is well prepared for Hurricane Milton thanks to federal and local support. The governor's office is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to leverage resources and ensure Floridians will return home safely after the storm passes.

Manatee, Pinellas and Pasco counties, all in Milton’s path, have suspended emergency services. Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown warned of a “huge loss of life” if water levels rise to 12 to 15 feet. Bradenton residents are being urged to shelter in place and stay out of the storm’s path.

Florida residents in a Hurricane Milton shelter. Photo: USA TODAY

Nearly 7.3 million people in 15 Florida counties have been urged to evacuate as Hurricane Milton approaches. Milton is still hours away from making landfall, but more than 250,000 Florida customers have lost power. Power outages are increasing along Florida's west coast, with some of the largest percentages of outages in the central and eastern parts of the state due to tornadoes.

KHANH MINH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nguy-co-lu-quet-khi-bao-milton-do-bo-vao-my-post762927.html