Hurricane Milton could be worst to hit Florida in 100 years, says US President Joe Biden | BBC News

Summary

President Biden has warned that Hurricane Milton could be the most devastating storm in Florida in a century. With winds reaching 155 mph and a life-threatening storm surge, over a million residents have been urged to evacuate. The storm comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Helen, which claimed over 225 lives. Florida is in a state of emergency, with shelters set up as climate change drives increasingly powerful hurricanes. Authorities have stressed the catastrophic danger of staying in evacuation areas, stating it's a matter of life and death.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ President Biden warns that Hurricane Milton could be the worst storm to hit Florida in a century.
• 🏠 Over a million residents in Florida have been ordered to evacuate their homes.
• 💨 Hurricane Milton is more powerful than Hurricane Helen, which killed at least 225 people.
• 🌊 Warm Atlantic Ocean waters are supercharging these hurricanes, with sea temperatures at or near record highs.
• 🔥 Climate change is driving these storms, as warmer seas lead to more water evaporation, fueling stronger hurricanes.
• ⚠️ Florida authorities are using strong language, saying if people do not evacuate, they may not survive.
• 🌬️ Hurricane Milton is bringing 155 mph winds, heavy rain, and a life-threatening storm surge to Florida.
• 📢 President Biden has approved disaster funding and emphasized the life-and-death nature of the situation.
• 🌀 This is the 10th major storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, with climate change making storms more frequent and powerful.
• 🏟️ Emergency shelters and converted sports stadiums are being set up to house evacuees and rescue workers in Florida.

Q & A

What warning did President Biden issue regarding the hurricane in Florida?

President Biden warned that the hurricane bearing down on Florida could be the worst storm in a century.

How many major storms have hit Florida recently, and what was the impact of the previous storm?

Florida has been hit by two major storms in less than two weeks. The previous storm, Hurricane Helen, killed at least 225 people.

What is the significance of Hurricane Milton compared to Hurricane Helen?

Hurricane Milton is even more powerful than Hurricane Helen, bringing 155 mph winds and a life-threatening storm surge.

What factors are contributing to the increasing strength of hurricanes like Milton?

Climate change is contributing to the increasing strength of hurricanes by warming the seas, which leads to more water evaporation and stronger storms.

What warnings have been given to Florida residents about staying in evacuation areas?

Authorities have used stark language, warning that those who stay in evacuation areas could die due to the storm's catastrophic nature.

How is the state of Florida preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton?

Emergency shelters have been set up, and a converted sports stadium is providing thousands of beds for rescue workers as preparations for Hurricane Milton.

How does the National Hurricane Center describe the threat posed by Hurricane Milton?

The National Hurricane Center has warned that Hurricane Milton poses an extremely serious threat due to its devastating power.

What has President Biden done in response to the threat of Hurricane Milton?

President Biden has approved disaster funding for Florida and urged residents to evacuate, stressing that it is a matter of life and death.

How many counties in Florida have declared an emergency due to Hurricane Milton?

More than 50 counties in Florida have declared an emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Milton's landfall.

Why are hurricanes becoming more frequent and powerful according to the report?

Hurricanes are becoming more frequent and powerful due to climate change, as warmer seas caused by the absorption of extra heat from greenhouse gases lead to stronger storms.