What's happened
Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is set to make landfall in Florida's Tampa Bay area on Wednesday. With winds reaching 160 mph and air pressure at a near-record low, officials urge residents to evacuate. The storm follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in the region.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned, "If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die," highlighting the urgency of evacuations. The New York Times reported that Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to heed evacuation orders, stating, "If your plan calls for you to evacuate, you should do so today." This sentiment is echoed by emergency management officials who stress the importance of preparedness in light of recent storms.
How we got here
Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm on Monday, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida last month. Residents are still recovering from previous storms, leading to heightened concerns about Milton's impact.
Common question
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What Federal Support is Available for Hurricane Helene Survivors?
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene still weighs heavily on many communities. Understanding the federal support available for survivors is crucial for those affected. This page answers common questions about the assistance being offered and the ongoing political responses to these natural disasters.
More on these topics
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Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. With a population of over 21 million, Florida is the third-most populous and the 22nd-most extensive of the 50 United States.
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Georgia is a state in the Southeastern Region of the United States. Georgia is the 24th-largest in area and 8th-most populous of the 50 United States.
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North Carolina is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous of the 50 United States.
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Ronald "Ron" Dion DeSantis is an American attorney, naval officer, and Republican politician. He has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019, and he represented Florida's 6th congressional district in Congress from 2013 to 2018.