The city of Miami is under a state of emergency following the declaration made this Saturday by Mayor Francis Suárez, in response to the imminent threat of Hurricane Milton, which is already progressing with a category 4 rating according to the Saffir-Simpson scale.
This phenomenon, which has rapidly strengthened, has caused other cities in South Florida to take similar measures to protect their citizens from potential flooding and damage caused by heavy rains.
After the declaration of a state of emergency, various events have been organized in Miami and the entire region for the distribution of sandbags, with the aim of helping residents protect their properties.
In Hollywood, the streets began to experience flooding on Saturday morning, leading to the closure of several roads, especially in the Sheridan Street area.
Other cities, such as Miami Gardens, Homestead, and Hallandale Beach, have also followed suit and declared a state of emergency, organizing sandbag distribution events for residents.
Residents of Miami and its surroundings are taking all necessary precautions to minimize the impacts of Milton.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged the public to stay informed and follow safety recommendations, including reducing speed when driving in heavy rain conditions.
Regarding Miami Beach, although it has not yet declared a state of emergency, preventive measures have been taken by allowing residents to park for free in public garages and sandbags have been distributed. The flood alert will remain in effect until Thursday, while the region prepares for more rain and winds.
Local and state authorities continue to closely monitor the progress of Milton, while Miami residents prepare for the worst, hoping that the damage will be minimal.
Hurricane Milton raises alarms in Cuba and Florida
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported this Sunday that Tropical Storm Milton had reached hurricane status and there were favorable conditions for it to continue strengthening.
Through an intermediate notice, the NHC announced that "the hurricane hunters from the air force find that Milton is rapidly intensifying into a hurricane."
Meteorologists have identified areas of interest as the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys, and the northwest of the Bahamas, recommending that they monitor the progress of this cyclonic system.
They also mentioned that "hurricane and storm surge alerts could be required for parts of Florida later today."
The weather situation led Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in 35 counties in Florida, including Miami-Dade.
"As tropical storm Milton continues to strengthen in the Gulf, I have issued Executive Order 24-214 ahead of its possible landfall on the west coast of Florida this week. This Executive Order declares a state of emergency in 35 counties in Florida," the politician announced this Saturday on his X account.
"While many continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, I have ordered that all personnel and available resources be coordinated to support local communities while accelerating debris removal in the affected areas. We will continue to deploy state resources to prepare for efficient search and rescue, the restoration of power supply, and road clearing," he detailed.
The included counties are: Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole Counties, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.
The DeSantis Order reminded that the tropical storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico and rapid intensification into a hurricane was expected, a condition in which it is anticipated to make landfall on the west coast of Florida in the coming days.
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