Hurricane Milton threatens Trinis in Florida

AS Hurricane Milton strengthened from a Category 4 to a Category 5 hurricane on October 7 while moving across the Yucatan peninsula, Trinidadians in Florida are bracing for the impact of the hurricane, which is expected to affect them from October 8.

Hurricane watches, storm surge warnings and storm warnings have been issued for various parts of the state.

Tampa Bay resident Roger Mills, originally from Diamond Vale, said he has been in Tampa for 34 years and has prepared for hurricanes many times.

“At this point, all of the western coast of Florida is on high alert, to say the least. Tampa Bay is calm for now, but as the hurricane approaches, the anxiety levels will go up. It's very calm now, so work is still in progress, but slowing down. By the end of the day into tomorrow, any area in a direct path of Milton is going to be shut down.

“For now, the coastal counties have issued evacuation notices, and the traffic on the major interstates is starting to build as people move to the east side of the state or up north into Georgia. Also, all public schools are closed through Thursday (October 9), at least. The fact that schools were closed already is an indicator that this one's no joke.”

He said most people are going to “hunker down and rely on common sense.

“Of course, you have to put up shutters, bring all outdoor furniture indoors, stockpile water, food, batteries, etc. But most Floridians already have those things in place. In the next 24 hours, windows will be boarded up, sandbags placed at doors/entryways, etc.

"The biggest worry for all of us is the storm surge, which we have seen in excess of eight feet in some areas around the state. Tampa Bay is a major port, with hundreds of miles of beaches, inlets, etc. And we just got through Helene. Going to be a restless couple of days."

Mills said another huge concern was the proximity to Hurricane Helene, which passed through the area in late September.

“The damage from Helene is still palpable. There are areas still in the process of cleaning up, so extra debris means extra problems.”

Instagram user Artbylunamar, in response to a question from Newsday, said as someone who couldn’t evacuate, the only option was to be as prepared as possible for any outcome.

“Buy canned foods, candles, torchlights, water, charge power banks and all electronics. Fill your tubs, buckets and more with water. Knowing where shelters are, knowing where to go if tornadoes become likely in your area. Packing all legal documentation in waterproof bags and keeping it with you. Park your car in the safest place, but have it close enough if needed. If you have a phone, downloading a satellite app in case you need to be rescued or found. Prepping where you are for hazards.

"And leave now if that’s an option for you, don’t wait last minute or till the roads are filled with traffic.”

Hurricane Center: 'Extremely life-threatening'

The US National Hurricane Center, in its 5 pm (TT time) advisory, said damaging hurricane-force winds and a life-threatening storm surge with destructive waves are expected across portions of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula through the night of October 7.

It said a large area of destructive storm surge will occur along parts of the west coast of Florida on October 8. This is an extremely life-threatening situation.

The center said potentially devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of the west coast of Florida where a hurricane warning is in effect.

“Milton is forecast to remain a hurricane as it crosses the Florida Peninsula and life-threatening hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, are expected to spread inland across a portion of the entire Florida Peninsula.

“Preparations to protect life and property in the warning areas should be complete by Tuesday night since tropical storm conditions are expected to begin within this area early Wednesday.”

It said areas of heavy rainfall will affect portions of Florida today well ahead of Milton, with heavy rainfall more directly related to the system expected later on Tuesday through Wednesday night. This rainfall will bring the risk of considerable flash, urban, and areal flooding, along with the potential for moderate to major river flooding.

Milton is one of three hurricanes present in the Atlantic currently, a first since 1966, based on the National Hurricane Center’s records, according to California State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach.

The other two hurricanes are named Kirk and Leslie.

In its 5 pm (TT time) advisory on Kirk, the centre said it was a powerful extratropical cyclone still causing large swells and rip current risk along the US east coast. The BBC said the remnants of the storm could bring disruptive weather to the UK next week, when parts of England and Wales could experience spells of heavy rain and strong winds.

The center said Hurricane Leslie had weakened since it formed. It is moving toward the northwest near 14 miles per hour and this general motion is expected to continue over the next few days. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 80 miles per hour with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next several days. The system is not currently threatening land.

Flights affected

Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL), in a release, said the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) had said the Orlando International Airport (MCO) will be closed to commercial operations on October 8 as a precautionary measure.

It said this would affect the following flights on October 8: BW 482: Trinidad- Orlando and BW 485: Orlando-Trinidad.

It said passengers whose plans are affected by these flight disruptions may rebook without change fees, subject to the following conditions: waiver of all fees for tickets rebooked in the same cabin; passengers may be rebooked on any service up to October 25 with no penalty. It said all changes must be made through CAL's call centre or at a CAL ticket office.

Cayman Airways has scheduled an extra flight on October 7 for students and other Caymanians in the path of the storm.

An article in the Cayman Compass said Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, also the education minister, said the safety of Caymanians became the top priority as the storm headed towards the Florida coast and that students in the state were being contacted to find out if they wanted to leave or shelter in place.

It said Cayman Airways has also agreed to waive change fees for its Tampa and Miami flights.

The special flight will leave Cayman at 5.10 pm and arrive in Tampa at 8 pm. The return leg will leave at 9 pm and arrive back in Cayman at 9.50 pm.

Miami Broward Carnival goes on

The Miami Broward Carnival host committee issued a release saying it would still continue despite hurricane concerns. The carnival is scheduled for October 11-13.

“(We) would like to reassure our community, patrons, and supporters that the South Florida region, while experiencing rain, is not expected to take a direct hit from the storm. We will check daily to get the most up-to-date information on the South Florida region.”

The committee said it would actively monitor all weather updates and provide timely updates if operational changes become necessary. It said its primary concern was the safety and well-being of attendees, performers, and the community.

“In the event of any changes, we will make prompt announcements to give everyone sufficient time for planning. We advise our attendees to stay informed about potential flight changes or delays related to the hurricane. Please check with your airline and hotel accommodations to ensure your travel plans are current.

“It has come to our attention that false reports circulating on social media claim that Miami Carnival 2024 has been cancelled. We want to emphasize that this information is not true. We encourage you to rely on our official social media channels and website (or accurate updates and information regarding all Miami Carnival activities.”