As Hurricane Milton strengthens to a Category 5 storm, concerns are rising about its impending landfall in Florida. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the storm intensified faster than anticipated and could cause severe damage when it strikes.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has confirmed in a press call with NOAA, HHS, Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers on Monday that they currently have the necessary resources and funds to respond to both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. FEMA official stated the agency is “well-positioned” to handle the storm’s aftermath but noted the possibility of requiring additional funds in the coming months.
While FEMA could not provide the exact balance of the Disaster Relief Fund, officials hinted that they may need to approach the White House for more financial support as the situation develops.
Florida homes built under the state’s strong building codes, especially new structures, are designed to withstand Category 3 hurricanes. However, older buildings may not be able to sustain the impact of a Category 5 storm like Milton.
“We have seen loss of life, and so we just really want to stress this community that this is the time now to listen to those evacuation orders and move out of those areas that local officials are requiring of access,” FEMA official stated. “ We can rebuild, we can repair, we can deal with this aftermath. But if we can’t keep people safe in these two days, there’s nothing we can do about it after that. So really stressing the life safety component at this point.”
Milton similar to the Tampa 1848 Hurricane. Latter, Cat 3-4, 15 ft storm surge. Emily Cerrito did the map. 1848 data (pretty vast) from my historical datasets of marine and land newspapers, ship logs, and instrumental records. #HurricaneMilton #Tampa #Hurricane @Jennife80870085 pic.twitter.com/Xn6urSYqY7
— Cary Mock (@cary_mock) October 6, 2024
Tampa International Airport announced it will suspend flight operations starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday due to the approaching Hurricane Milton. The airport will reopen once it is safe to do so, officials said.
In response to the storm, President Joe Biden swiftly approved Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request for an emergency declaration. This federal assistance allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide direct support for life-saving activities and emergency protective measures, including evacuation, sheltering, and search and rescue efforts.
President Biden was first briefed on the potential impacts of Hurricane Milton on Florida’s Gulf Coast yesterday. He received an additional briefing today from Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall as FEMA continues to preposition life-saving resources ahead of the storm.
Vice President Kamala Harris was also briefed this morning on the storm’s intensification to a Category 5 hurricane. According to a White House official, Harris was updated on the expected impacts and federal preparations underway to support Florida’s response. “She will continue to be briefed throughout the coming days,” the official said.
The State Assistance Information Line can be accessed HERE
Governor DeSantis Provides Update #4 on Hurricane Milton at State Emergency Operations Center https://t.co/mhJI0DgdFI
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 7, 2024
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