Milton advances toward the city of Tampa. It is expected to land next night or tomorrow morning Finnish time.
17:49•Updated 18:54
Roads off Florida’s west coast were congested Wednesday as millions of people fled Hurricane Milton. Milton is predicted to hit the densely populated Tampa area at night or tomorrow morning Finnish time.
Milton is expected to bring gale-force winds and heavy rain to Florida’s west coast, causing high waves and flooding. People have been ordered or urged to evacuate, especially from low-lying lands and near water bodies.
Among other things, 352 health care centers have been evacuated, of which 16 are hospitals, says the British newspaper The Guardian. Thousands of National Guard members are ready for rescue and search operations.
Tornadoes are also predicted to form with Milton. A tornado warning has been issued for 20 Florida counties. According to the National Weather Service, the risk is greatest in central and southern Florida.
Milton has weakened slightly on Wednesday, from the strongest category hurricane to a category four hurricane.
Milton may cause major property damage in the Tampa area.
A representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA Deanne Criswell said the ABC news channelthat Florida may never have seen a storm like it. However, he reminded that no one has to die if they evacuate from danger areas.
Source: AP