TULUM, México —Hurricane Milton intensified rapidly on Monday, reaching Category 5, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale, as it moved over the Gulf of Mexico. In its latest report, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that the hurricane had sustained winds of 250 km/h (155 mph), with even stronger gusts expected.
As of 10:55 a.m. on Monday, Milton was located 200 km (125 miles) west-northwest of Progreso, Yucatán. According to the NHC, the hurricane will land in Florida mid-week, triggering widespread evacuations and emergency preparations.
Mexico and Florida on High Alert
In response to the growing threat, Mexican authorities issued a hurricane warning for the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Heavy rains are expected to batter the region, particularly in the states of Campeche and Yucatán, where the National Meteorological Service (SMN) has forecast “torrential downpours” beginning on Monday. Coastal areas are most at risk, with potential river flooding, landslides, and between 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches) of rain accumulation expected.
The SMN also warned residents, tourists, and maritime activities to heed official advisories and take extreme precautions as the storm nears. Coastal communities are preparing for flooding, with local governments emphasizing the need for emergency plans.
In Florida, where Milton is anticipated to strike with full force, both state and federal agencies have urged western coast residents to prepare for one of the largest evacuations since Hurricane Irma in 2017. As the storm inches closer, the state government has already declared a state of emergency for 51 of its 67 counties.
Impacts Expected in Florida
Milton is expected to land near Tampa late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, bringing severe winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. The NHC predicts flash floods with rainfall totals up to 38 cm (15 inches) in certain areas, while coastal regions could face storm surges of 1.5 to 3.5 meters (5 to 11 feet).
In Tampa, panic-buying was evident on Monday, with long lines forming at supermarkets and gas stations as residents rushed to stock up on essentials. Many people were seen filling sandbags to safeguard their homes from potential flooding, bracing for the hurricane’s arrival.
Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, called on residents to be ready for “the largest evacuation we’ve seen since Hurricane Irma in 2017.” Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that preparations were underway to restore power and clear roads after the storm hit. He urged residents to create emergency plans, emphasizing the likelihood of significant damage and mandatory evacuations.
“There is no scenario where we won’t see major impacts,” DeSantis warned, urging the public to take the situation seriously as Milton approaches.
Devastation Follows Hurricane Helene
Milton’s arrival comes just ten days after the U.S. experienced the deadliest hurricane since Katrina in 2005—Hurricane Helene, which claimed at least 225 lives across the southeastern U.S., with hundreds still reported missing. Fourteen of those fatalities occurred in Florida, which is still recovering from Helene’s destruction.
The cleanup efforts from Helene are ongoing. Major roads are still blocked, and many communities in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina are isolated, making it difficult to deliver aid. Helene struck the U.S. as a Category 4 hurricane at the end of September, causing widespread damage, flash floods, and power outages for millions of residents.
Additional Threats to Mexico and Florida
The broad circulation of Hurricane Milton is expected to have significant effects beyond just Florida. The SMN warned that Milton would generate heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding. Rivers and streams could overflow, and dangerous mudslides are a growing concern.
In the U.S., the NHC has also issued warnings of hazardous wind gusts and storm surges along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Residents in affected areas are urged to secure their homes and belongings, as the hurricane could cause storm surges of up to 3.5 meters (11 feet) and flooding in coastal communities.
As the hurricane barrels toward Florida, residents are reminded of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, which led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction across the state. Milton’s potential for catastrophic damage has prompted authorities to ramp up evacuations, with federal and state officials closely monitoring the situation.
As Hurricane Milton bears down on Mexico and Florida, authorities are taking no chances, urging residents to follow evacuation orders and prepare for a significant natural disaster. With heavy rain, severe winds, and storm surges expected in both countries, everyone in the affected areas must take safety precautions immediately.
The Tulum Times encourages our readers to stay updated on the latest forecasts and follow local officials’ guidance. Have you experienced a hurricane in Tulum or Florida before? Please share your stories and thoughts with us on social media, and stay tuned for more updates.
