The Dangerous Storm is Expected to Hit the Coast Late Tonight or Early Tomorrow Near Sarasota
The powerful and “catastrophic” storm, currently a Category 4 hurricane, is growing in size and is now expected to make landfall late tonight. A forecast from NBC News predicts landfall sometime between 10 PM and 2 AM. Storm alerts cover almost the entire west coast of Florida, and there are storm warnings in much of the state, including the east coast. An area along the coast between Tampa and Fort Myers could experience flooding of up to 15 feet.
As of 11:50 AM Eastern Time, Milton was 190 miles southwest of Tampa, with sustained winds of 145 mph, and is moving northeast at 17 mph. This storm will traverse Florida from west to east. In Orlando and surrounding areas, meteorologists have warned of up to 15 inches of rain, stating that the city and region face an “extreme threat of rain and flooding.”
NBC News Lite, a lighter version of NBCNews.com available during emergencies when internet connectivity may be limited, has been activated for readers in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Kamala Harris Slams Republican Misinformation About the Hurricane
After a joint briefing on the hurricane, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Republican leaders who spread conspiracy theories about FEMA, a federal organization that assists hurricane victims with evacuation and resources during emergencies. “[Local officials] are doing an extraordinary job trying to combat misinformation. I’m talking about sheriffs, I’m talking about mayors, I’m talking about local officials,” the vice president told the network on Wednesday afternoon.
“I don’t even know their party affiliation, by the way. But the local leaders who know that it’s not in the best interest of the people living in these areas… to be afraid to seek help.” Although Harris did not name any Republican leaders, she said it was “dangerous” and “frankly inconceivable that anyone who considered themselves a leader would mislead desperate people to the point that they do not receive the help they are entitled to.”
“We know the despair and fear” of the people who are evacuating, she added. “The last thing they deserve is to have a supposed leader making them more scared.”
The Critical Situation in Naples, Florida
In Naples, Florida, days of alerts and threatening skies have not deterred some daring surfers from challenging large waves, threatened by Mother Nature. An NBC News team spotted two surfers in the water, even though the beach was closed, with lightning strikes occurring and tornado alerts being issued on cellphones. “Not until we’re kicked out, that’s more or less it,” one surfer said when asked if they would leave soon. “Just trying to enjoy the surf.”
Meanwhile, with just hours until Hurricane Milton’s expected arrival, Terry Burke, a resident of St. Petersburg, said all she can do now is pray and trust in God. “We pray the rosary every day,” she said while holding a rosary. Burke evacuated her home, which had already been flooded by a recent hurricane, and now faces uncertainty about what will happen to her possessions and her 96-year-old home.
The Resilience of Lieutenant Dan
The situation of “Lieutenant Dan,” a man known for living on his boat in the Tampa area, illustrates the challenges faced by some people as Hurricane Milton approaches. As the storm draws nearer, local authorities have intensified efforts to convince residents to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in safer locations. However, Lieutenant Dan seems determined to stay on his boat, despite the dangers the storm may bring.
Police have been working tirelessly to alert Lieutenant Dan about the severity of the situation. They emphasize that safety is the priority and that staying on his boat could put him at extreme risk. This dynamic is often seen in natural disasters, where personal decisions collide with the urgency of evacuation recommendations.
The Difficulty of Evacuation
Lieutenant Dan’s resistance can also be seen as a reflection of the difficulty many face when considering evacuation. The process of leaving behind a home, even temporarily, can be emotionally challenging. For many, like Dan, it can mean abandoning not just a physical space but also a way of life that has been carefully built over the years.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Lieutenant Dan’s situation highlights the need for support and understanding in times of crisis. Authorities need to find ways to address these individuals with empathy, helping them recognize the gravity of the situation while respecting their choices and feelings.