This story at a glance…

1. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is racing toward Florida, prompting mass evacuations.

2. Storm surges up to 15 feet could flood Tampa Bay, bringing severe damage.

3. Officials urge residents to evacuate, with shelters open and emergency crews ready.

4. Tampa braces for what might be its worst hurricane in over a century.

Hurricane Milton Closes In: Florida Rushes to Evacuate

Update, 15:30 PDT:
Hurricane Milton, now a powerful Category 5 storm, regained strength late Tuesday as it churned through the warm Gulf of Mexico. Forecasts now predict the hurricane will make landfall as early as Wednesday night, with the west coast of Florida in its crosshairs. CBS News Meteorologist Nikki Nolan confirmed that the storm has slowed, putting Sarasota directly in the path for an overnight landfall between Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has warned that Milton could be the most severe storm to hit the Tampa Bay area in over 100 years.

A Monster Storm Takes Aim at Florida
Hurricane Milton, a massive Category 4 storm, is on a fast track toward Florida, bringing fierce winds that could rip roofs off houses and knock down trees like matchsticks. With wind speeds reaching 145 mph, Milton is set to make landfall by Thursday, and Florida’s Gulf Coast is in its path.

The storm is moving slowly but steadily, like a giant wheel grinding over the Gulf of Mexico. Milton’s strength was extreme on Monday, with winds surging to a terrifying 175 mph—well over the threshold of a Category 5 hurricane. Though it has weakened a bit, experts believe it will still be very dangerous when it hits the shore. Tampa Bay, one of Florida’s largest metro areas, is right in the danger zone. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor didn’t mince words: “If you choose to stay in those areas, you’re going to die.” Her statement echoes across the state, as Florida prepares for yet another powerful storm just weeks after Hurricane Helene.

Surges Like a Wall of Water
One of the biggest threats from Milton is the storm surge, a powerful push of ocean water forced ashore by the storm’s winds. Think of it as a wall of water barreling towards the coast, higher than a one-story house, and able to swallow everything in its path. This surge could reach up to 15 feet in some areas, leaving low-lying neighborhoods like Tampa Bay at serious risk.

With surges this high, entire streets can flood, and homes can fill with water in minutes. Meteorologists say that if Milton makes landfall at a certain angle, it could push even more water into the Tampa Bay area, worsening the damage.

Evacuations and Preparations Across Florida
People across Florida are packing up and leaving their homes as officials give evacuation orders. In Tampa Bay, the roads are filled with cars, as residents head to safer areas or shelters that have opened to protect those in harm’s way. Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, has nine shelters ready for those fleeing the storm. Schools are closed, and city garages have opened for free to give people a place to protect their cars from rising waters.

Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the emergency declaration to cover 51 counties, urging people to stock up on essentials like food and water and to prepare for the power to be out for days. He assured Floridians that tolls have been suspended and extra roadways opened to make it easier to leave the area. Rescue teams are stationed up and down the coast, ready to help once the storm passes.

Why Milton’s Path Could Make Things Worse
Milton is expected to hit the coast at a 90-degree angle, which means it will slam right into the coastline rather than running alongside it. This approach can drive storm surges even higher, piling water onto the coast like a big wave crashing into the shore. Experts say that if the storm lands just north of Tampa, it could push a lot of water into the bay, causing more damage.

If Milton follows this path, it could make this one of the worst storms Tampa Bay has seen in over a hundred years. Other nearby states, like Georgia and the Carolinas, are expected to avoid this storm, but they’re still recovering from the last big hurricane, Helene, which left a path of destruction in its wake.

Heat Fuels the Fire
The Gulf’s waters, warm like bathwater at around 85 degrees, have given Milton extra power. This warm water acts like fuel for a storm, causing it to grow stronger as it travels. Climate experts warn that warmer waters, which they link to climate change, could mean more frequent and intense storms like Milton in the future. Just as a fast car burns through high-octane gas, Milton has been fed by these warm waters, making it a force to be reckoned with.

Staying Safe and Being Prepared
As Florida gets ready for Hurricane Milton, officials and residents are doing their best to prepare. The message is clear: take the warnings seriously and evacuate if you’re in danger. By Thursday, Florida’s Gulf Coast will likely feel the full force of the storm. Those who have packed up and left can only hope and pray that their homes will be there when they return.

Reflection
Storms like Hurricane Milton remind us of life’s uncertainties and our need for God’s presence. In times of fear and struggle, we can turn to Him for strength and peace. As Psalm 91:4 tells us, “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” In every storm, we can trust that God shelters us and holds us close.