Hurricane Milton is set to strike parts of Florida's Hillsborough County, which are still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a grave warning on Tuesday, stating that the region is at risk of experiencing 'catastrophic loss' due to the impending storm.
Chronister highlighted the existing challenges faced by the area, noting that it is already heavily saturated from the impact of Hurricane Helene. This has left drainage and sewage systems overburdened, with no capacity to handle additional rainfall from Hurricane Milton.
With expectations of even stronger winds from Hurricane Milton, officials fear that they may be unable to safely conduct rescue operations once the storm makes landfall. Chronister urged residents to evacuate immediately, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Expressing his astonishment at the unfolding events, Chronister, with over three decades of law enforcement experience, remarked that he had never witnessed such a dire scenario. The combination of recent flooding and the impending storm surge from Hurricane Milton has surpassed all previous expectations.
In response to the looming threat, the county has issued a mandatory evacuation order for select areas of Hillsborough County, with a deadline of 7 a.m. ET on Wednesday for residents to evacuate. Chronister noted that many individuals are heeding the evacuation orders, evident from the increased traffic and long queues at gas stations and grocery stores in the county.
Chronister reiterated the risks of remaining in the area, cautioning that those who choose to stay do so at their own peril. The impending impact of Hurricane Milton has prompted authorities to take swift action and issue urgent warnings to safeguard the lives of residents in Hillsborough County.
