Hurricane Milton has slammed into the shores as a Category 3 storm, causing chaos in its wake. The Met Office has issued warnings of the storm’s destructive potential, prompting the cancellation of flights to Florida for numerous UK holidaymakers. Milton made its brutal impact near Siesta Key, Florida, with powerful sustained winds reaching 120mph, leaving devastation in its path. Within 90 minutes of making landfall, the hurricane had shifted slightly northeast of Sarasota, weakening to a Category 2 storm but still maintaining maximum sustained winds of 110mph.
The US National Weather Service has raised the alarm by issuing the highest level of flood warning to over two million residents in Milton’s trajectory. The storm’s wrath has already resulted in widespread power outages, plunging more than 2 million people into darkness, as reported by poweroutage.us. Major airlines like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Tui have been forced to cancel flights between the UK and Florida due to the severe weather conditions.
Numerous airports in Florida, including Orlando International, Melbourne Orlando International, and Tampa International, have ceased commercial operations in response to the menacing storm. The Met Office has projected that if Milton’s remnants drift into the Atlantic, there could be ramifications for UK weather, although the likelihood of the hurricane reaching the UK remains slim. Scientists at the Met Office have expressed concerns over Milton’s potential to unleash severe structural damage and a colossal storm surge of up to 15ft, leading to extensive coastal flooding.
Forecasters anticipate heavy rainfall of 300 to 400 millimetres over the next couple of days in central Florida. As Milton is expected to weaken to a tropical storm over the Atlantic and transition into an extratropical storm near Bermuda, the remnants are foreseen to either dissipate in the subtropical Atlantic or merge with a frontal zone. The impact of Hurricane Milton has disrupted travel plans for many, with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, British Airways, and Tui announcing cancellations and adjustments to their flight schedules.
British nationals in Florida have shared their harrowing experiences, with some recalling their encounters with multiple hurricanes during their stay. The UK government and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have urged British nationals in Florida to closely monitor the situation, follow guidance from local authorities, and adhere to travel advisories. As the situation unfolds, concerns over the safety and security of those affected by Hurricane Milton continue to mount.