Monstrous Hurricane Milton could permanently alter Florida's entire coastline, experts warn

Florida, United States

As 15 million residents of the US state of Florida brace for the impact of Hurricane Milton, scheduled to make landfall on Wednesday (Oct 9) night, experts have warned that it could forever change the Sunshine State's coastline. 

As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), at least 95 per cent of Florida's west coast beaches are forecast to be inundated or continuously covered by ocean water when Milton, regarded as one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the region, makes landfall. 

“This is the most severe level of coastal change," the federal agency warned. It added that “Milton’s waves and surge” could cause “erosion and overwash” to 100 per cent of the state’s beaches.

“The significance of the coastal change forecast for Milton’s impact to the Florida west coast cannot be overstated,” it added.  

The threat to Florida's coastline has been exacerbated due to Hurricane Helene's impact which had already inundated several beaches and eroded the dunes. The protective banks of sand along the shoreline that usually protected the inland no longer existed in many locations. 

According to the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center, Hurricane Milton had regained power to become a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph (270 kph). Although it may lose some of its momentum after the landfall, experts believe that it will still be ferocious enough to cause widespread damage. 

"Fluctuations in intensity are likely while Milton moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but Milton is expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the west-central coast of Florida Wednesday night," the agency said.

Watch | Why Did Hurricane Milton Intensify?

Milton might poison air and water 

According to reports, Hurricane Milton may travel through hazardous material facilities in the state, polluting the environment with harmful chemicals.

The sites that will face damage from the storm include concrete plants, electronic manufacturers and chemical plants. Experts say that hazardous substances can be released from these facilities when strong winds and rainfall hit storage tanks, pipelines, and containment systems.

Also read | Hurricane Milton can hit hazardous facilities, triggering fires, poisoning air and water

Kevin Guthrie, director of Florida’s emergency management division has already stated that the largest evacuation order in nearly a decade had been ordered in the state. 

Authorities have urged the citizens to leave their homes in the evacuation zone and write their names and personal information on their arms in permanent marker so that their bodies can be identified in the worst-case scenario.

US President Joe Biden has postponed his overseas trip so that he can remain at the White House to monitor Milton, warning that it could be one of "worst storms in 100 years to hit Florida". 

(With inputs from agencies)