(SQAUK) — In a chilling development, meteorologists and government officials have declared Hurricane Milton a once-in-a-lifetime storm, its unprecedented size and ferocity placing it among the top ten most giant storms ever recorded. Milton, a near-Category four hurricane, has already exhibited wind gusts reaching nearly 200 miles per hour, a staggering force that experts call one of the most dangerous wind speeds they’ve ever seen. As of Monday, the storm’s pressure registered at an alarming 500 millibars (currently 925 MB at publication), an unheard-of event among the most powerful storms in recorded history.
Meteorologists have warned that the hurricane’s low-pressure center is an ominous indicator of the storm’s intensity. The lower the pressure, the stronger the winds—and with Milton, this could result in catastrophic damage.
Over one million Floridians have been ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton’s anticipated landfall, but the mass exodus has led to traffic gridlock on major highways. Gas stations run dry as people scramble to leave the storm’s path, adding to the growing panic. Many are now left stranded in congested areas while emergency officials scramble to offer assistance. Fuel is becoming more scarce by the hour, and the storm’s approach is faster than anticipated.
Hurricane Milton is projected to land on the western coast of Florida within the next 48 hours. Experts predict catastrophic flooding, widespread power outages, and massive infrastructure destruction if its strength does not diminish. Coastal towns are already being hit by storm surges, with some areas anticipating rising water levels by over 15 feet.
State and federal agencies have declared a state of emergency, deploying the National Guard and FEMA personnel to assist with rescue and relief efforts. However, officials warn that the scale of this storm may exceed their ability to respond effectively.
