Hurricane Milton is forecasted to be the most destructive hurricane in modern history as it winds towards Florida and the Gulf Coast. With sustained winds of 180 mph and storm surge records, Milton will surpass the worst storms, such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Andrew, in terms of destruction and loss.
Milton is slated to land just offshore of Tampa Bay, where a hurricane of this size hasn’t directly touched down in more than 100 years. The storm is expected to wreak massive havoc on the coast, and lead to mass evacuations, according to experts. The economic cost is estimated to be $200 billion or more — making Milton perhaps the most expensive hurricane in U.S. history.
Predictions of Unprecedented Damage and Loss of Life
Governments are preparing for massive casualties and destruction. Storm surge is rumored to wreck low-lying regions and thousands of homes and businesses are threatened. Warnings have already been issued for most of west coast Florida, but some are worried that not everyone will be able to evacuate on time.
Swarms of rescue and recovery workers are being deployed, with FEMA and state departments setting up for what might be one of the biggest disaster operations in U.S. history. The authorities are warning that, when Milton does strike, whole towns might become cut off, and recovery could take too long because of the damage.
Economic Impact and Future Implications
When it comes down to it, Hurricane Milton could cause over $200 billion of damage, making it the most costly natural disaster in US history. This would be greater than Hurricane Katrina’s 2005 economic value of $125 billion. Infrastructure, housing and businesses would be badly damaged, and insurance companies and federal programs would be facing the monumental expense.
To see information and follow Hurricane Milton in real-time, visit The National Hurricane Center and CNN Weather.
