Hurricane Milton to hit this city for the first time in 100 years

The storm's intensity is particularly concerning given Tampa's explosive growth since its last major hurricane in 1921, when the city's population was just 5,20,004.

In Short

• Authorities have issued evacuation orders for low-lying areas
• National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening flash floods
• Hurricane Milton's destructive power is expected to damage frame homes

The Tampa Bay metropolitan area, home to over 3 million residents, is facing an unprecedented threat as Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida's west coast.

Expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday, Milton will be the first major hurricane to directly impact the region in over a century, baffling meteorologists and climate scientists.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for low-lying and vulnerable areas across six counties surrounding Tampa Bay, affecting nearly 4 million people.

The National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening flash floods and urban flooding in Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona Beach, with some areas of central Florida potentially receiving up to 18 inches of rain.

Hurricane Milton's destructive power is expected to damage frame homes, destroy mobile homes, topple large trees, and cause widespread power and communication outages.

The storm's intensity is particularly concerning given Tampa's explosive growth since its last major hurricane in 1921, when the city's population was just 52,0004.

Tampa Bay's geography makes it especially vulnerable to storm surges. The shallow, gently sloping ocean floor along Florida's Gulf Coast can amplify the water pushed inland by hurricane winds.

Barrier islands near Clearwater and St. Petersburg are at highest risk, prompting officials to urge residents to evacuate to the mainland.

Climate scientists note that record-high Gulf of Mexico water temperatures are contributing to more intense and frequent hurricanes, with higher rainfall and greater storm surge risks exacerbated by rising sea levels5.

As Milton approaches, residents have been urged to heed evacuation orders and take necessary precautions. With the potential for historic flooding and wind damage, Tampa Bay faces a critical test of its preparedness and resilience in the face of this powerful storm.