View from space unveils Hurricane Milton's imminent fury
A NASA astronaut has shown what Hurricane Milton looks like from space as it approaches Florida. The view is striking. One of the strongest forces ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to impact on Wednesday or Thursday.
9 October 2024 09:19
Forecasters describe Hurricane Milton as an "extremely powerful force. " It is set to hit Florida on Wednesday or Thursday. The National Hurricane Center is warning of storm surges reaching up to 5 metres.
Following the declaration of a state of emergency in numerous Florida counties, evacuations have commenced, and residents are congested on roads and interstates, fleeing the approaching force.
Milton seen from space
One of NASA's astronauts, Matthew Dominick, aboard the International Space Station, shared a video recorded when the ISS flew over the centre of the hurricane.
American media describe the video as "dramatic," showing the "unimaginable force and expanse of the hurricane."
Evacuation underway
Still grappling with Hurricane Helene's aftermath, hospitals and healthcare facilities on Florida's Gulf Coast are preparing for Milton's arrival.
Steve McCoy, head of the medical oversight office in Florida's health department, reported that it is the largest evacuation in history.
The strongest force in 100 years
President Joe Biden has urged residents of Tampa to evacuate, adding that the hurricane expected to hit the region will be the strongest force in a hundred years.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said that anyone who does not decide to evacuate would most likely die.
Milton could also bring widespread flooding. Between 130 and 250 millimetres of rain are predicted to fall over mainland Florida and the Keys, and in some areas, up to 380 millimetres.
