NASA astronaut captures Hurricane Milton's impending wrath
A NASA astronaut captured Hurricane Milton from space as it nears Florida, creating a striking impression. The storm, one of the strongest ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to impact the region on Wednesday or Thursday.
9 October 2024 10:12
Forecasters describe Hurricane Milton as an "extremely powerful force. " It is set to hit Florida on Wednesday or Thursday. The National Hurricane Center warns of storm surges reaching up to 5 meters.
Following a state of emergency declaration in numerous Florida counties, evacuations have commenced, with residents crowding highways and interstates to flee the threat.
Milton seen from space
NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, aboard the International Space Station, shared a video recorded as the ISS flew over the hurricane's centre.
American media have described the video as "dramatic," showcasing the "unimaginable force and expanse of the hurricane."
Evacuation underway
Still coping 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, described it as the "largest evacuation in history."
The strongest force in 100 years
President Joe Biden has urged Tampa residents to evacuate, noting that the upcoming hurricane will be the strongest force in a century.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned that anyone who would not decide to evacuate could most likely die.
Milton may also cause widespread flooding. Predictions suggest that between 125 and 250 millimetres of rain will fall in mainland Florida and the Keys, with some areas experiencing up to 380 millimetres of rainfall.
