A striking animation released by The Weather Channel illustrates the severe storm surge expected to strike Florida's west coast due to Hurricane Milton. Utilizing FloodFX simulation technology, meteorologist Stephanie Abrams demonstrated how the destructive waves and rising sea levels could impact coastal communities in areas like Tampa, where the hurricane is likely to make landfall.
The animation reveals water levels potentially rising up to nine feet above street level, submerging the first stories of buildings and even engulfing trees. Hurricane Milton, fluctuating between categories 4 and 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, threatens to unleash a storm surge capable of causing catastrophic flooding in low-lying coastal areas across Tampa and other Florida counties. This could make Milton the most devastating storm to hit the state in a century.
Authorities Warn of Life-Threatening Conditions
Officials have issued stark warnings about the potential for this storm surge to endanger lives and damage properties along the threatened coastline. The Weather Channel, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and owned by Allen Media Group, has been instrumental in supplying residents with detailed forecasts and continuous updates regarding Hurricane Milton's progression. The network, broadcasting in both English and Spanish, continues to urge the public to stay informed on the latest weather alerts.
President Joe Biden has also called on residents in high-risk areas to evacuate, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as a life-or-death matter. Jane Castor, the mayor of Tampa, delivered a stark message to those refusing evacuation: "Helene was a wake-up call. This is literally catastrophic. I can say without exaggeration that if you choose to remain in one of these evacuation zones, you will die," she emphasized.