A dire visual of Hurricane Milton’s storm surge is giving a mix of apocalypse and Moses

Hurricane Milton is intensifying as it approaches Florida, expected to make landfall later today. Currently fluctuating between Category 4 and 5 strength, the storm is packing peak winds of up to 180 miles per hour. This unpredictability heightens the urgency of the situation, as the potential for catastrophic damage looms large.

Beyond the fierce winds, the storm surge poses an equally daunting threat. A recent graphic from The Weather Channel illustrates the devastating impact of a 15-foot storm surge, which could engulf large swathes of land and significantly hinder evacuation efforts. Even a 3-foot surge can cause substantial flooding, while a 6-foot surge is considered severe enough to render homes uninhabitable. The graphic’s depiction of a 9-foot surge, described as “practically not survivable,” starkly illustrates the gravity of the impending danger, with the possibility of even greater heights.

Residents are heeding evacuation orders, with highways filled with those seeking safety. The state of Georgia is assisting displaced Floridians by opening the Atlanta Motor Speedway campground as a refuge. As Milton approaches, its storm surge, though measured from sea level, is particularly concerning given Florida’s low elevation relative to the ocean.

Meteorologist John Morales, who gained attention for his emotional on-air response to the hurricane’s forecast, echoed the fears of many as he anticipated the massive impact Milton would have. The storm’s central pressure of 897 hectopascals (hPa) marks it as the fifth-strongest hurricane on record in the Atlantic, joining a notorious list of storms that have caused immense destruction in the past.

As millions brace for the storm, the effects of Hurricane Milton are poised to change lives dramatically. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this critical time, as they navigate the challenges posed by this unprecedented weather event. Stay safe and informed!