Michael Brennan urges Florida residents to evacuate areas at risk of destruction by the storm.
The director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Michael Brennan, issued an urgent warning to Florida residents. The arrival of Hurricane Milton is expected to cause catastrophic damage, with potential for severe flooding inland. Brennan highlighted that the water level could rise by up to 4.5 meters, posing significant risks to both lives and structures.
In an interview with CNN, Brennan emphasized the unique trajectory of the hurricane, which moves perpendicularly to the coast. This path allows for a constant rise in water levels, increasing the risk of destruction, particularly in coastal areas. “Every hurricane brings its own challenges, but this is an unprecedented threat for Florida’s east coast,” Brennan stated.
The threat of massive flooding
Beyond the rising sea levels, Brennan explained in an NPR interview that the primary danger from Hurricane Milton lies in widespread flooding expected to affect Florida’s east coast. According to him, the storm may generate destructive waves capable of toppling entire buildings. “Some structures will be completely swept away by the force of the water,” said the Hurricane Center director. Brennan also warned that some regions could become uninhabitable for extended periods.
Local authorities are already working to evacuate the most vulnerable areas. Brennan’s appeal is clear: people need to leave high-risk zones before the storm makes landfall, particularly in coastal regions, where the damage is expected to be most severe.
Hurricane Milton’s progress and its consequences
Hurricane Milton is rapidly advancing toward Florida, being classified as one of the most destructive storms ever recorded, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm maintained its strength on Wednesday (9), remaining at a Category 5 hurricane, with winds reaching a staggering 256 km/h.
However, it is expected that the hurricane will weaken to Category 4 before hitting Florida’s Central Gulf Coast. The impact is forecast for early Thursday morning, but preparations are already underway. Authorities warn that even a Category 4 hurricane can still cause widespread destruction.
Preparation and maximum alert
Florida authorities have issued a series of warnings and evacuation orders, especially in the most vulnerable coastal areas. Brennan urged all residents to follow official guidelines and evacuate safely. “Constant vigilance and adherence to instructions can save lives,” he warned.
The recommendation is that people stay informed through weather updates and avoid flood-prone areas, even after the hurricane makes landfall. Authorities also stress that, despite the possible weakening of the storm to Category 4, the danger of strong winds, floods, and destructive waves remains imminent.
Economic impact and recovery
In addition to physical damage, the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton could have significant economic consequences for the state. Thousands of people could lose their homes and businesses, with potential disruptions to power and water services for days or weeks. The recovery process, as Brennan predicted, will be long and challenging.
Insurers and local authorities are working to mitigate losses, but the full extent of the damage may take months to fully assess. In past events involving hurricanes of this magnitude, affected regions have faced years of recovery.