The American National Hurricane Center announced that Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key, Florida, at the category 3 level. In the statement, it was stated that the wind speed reached up to 205 kilometers per hour.
WIND SPEED CAN REACH UP TO 230 KM
Authorities stated that if Hurricane Milton reaches the category 5 level, the wind speed may increase up to 230 kilometers.
The wind speed, which was measured at 205 kilometers per hour, decreased to 165 kilometers per hour after hours. Following this development, the hurricane decreased to category 2.
While many tornadoes occurred in Florida due to the hurricane, at least 125 houses were seriously damaged and nearly 1.5 million residences and workplaces were left without electricity.
GOVERNOR WARNED CITIZENS: STAY IN SHELTERS
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that evacuation for this evening would be dangerous and warned that citizens should stay in shelters. US President Joe Biden called for public evacuation days ago and said, “This is a matter of life and death.”
BIDEN APPROVED THE FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION
While Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties where the hurricane poses a threat, President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration to take precautions against the damage that Hurricane Milton may cause. This decision will allow the state to provide all necessary assistance during the hurricane preparation and recovery process.
THOSE WHO DO NOT OBEY EVACUATION ORDERS WILL BE IN DANGER
Mandatory evacuations were initiated in Tampa Bay and many surrounding areas due to the hurricane’s high winds and potentially deadly storm surge. Authorities accelerated the evacuation of people in the region to safe areas due to the floods and destructive winds caused by the hurricane. Warnings were made that those who did not comply with evacuation orders could be in great danger.
HURRICAN WILL CAUSE FLOODS
Storm surge and rising sea waters brought by Hurricane Milton will cause life-threatening flooding in many coastal areas of Florida, NHC predicts.