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Florida prepares for a once-in-a-century hurricane, warns the Polish Embassy in the U.S.

09.10.2024 12:00
Hurricane Milton is making its way across the Gulf of Mexico toward Tampa, Florida. The coasts of Georgia and South Carolina are also at risk. The Polish Embassy in the United States urges everyone to stay informed about current updates and to follow the recommendations of authorities.
A restaurant is surrounded by sand bags as the city prepares for Hurricane Milton in Bonita Beach, Florida, USA, 08 October 2024. According to the National Hurricane Centers Live Hurricane Tracker, Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on the evening of 09 October. The Polish Embassy in the USA warns fellow citizens
A restaurant is surrounded by sand bags as the city prepares for Hurricane Milton in Bonita Beach, Florida, USA, 08 October 2024. According to the National Hurricane Center's Live Hurricane Tracker, Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on the evening of 09 October. The Polish Embassy in the USA warns fellow citizensCRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/PAP/EPA

The threat is serious, as the hurricane heading toward Tampa in western Florida is expected to be the largest to hit the area in over a century. State authorities have announced evacuations and warned that those who do not leave the affected regions could be killed by the storm.

Highways are currently congested, and gas stations are beginning to run out of fuel. Airports along Florida's west coast have been closed, and a curfew has been imposed in some counties.

The Polish Embassy in the U.S. conveyed this message through social media. Diplomats are urging residents in nearby areas to regularly check verified sources for updates, such as nhc.noaa.gov.

City of Tampa officials are urging caution. "Run from the water, hide from the wind," local government representatives emphasize.

Hurricane Kirk strikes France, bringing heavy rain and strong winds

Strong winds will also affect Europe. Hurricane Kirk, arriving from the Atlantic, has struck France. In the western and northern parts of the country, violent winds are accompanied by heavy rainfall, leading to flood warnings.

In eastern France, the first instances of flooding have already occurred. In the Paris area, rainfall is expected to reach between 60 and 100 liters per square meter. In some places, the amount of rain that typically falls in a month may accumulate in just one day. Residents are advised to avoid basements and stay away from rivers.

According to Sky News, citing local media, 30 schools have been closed due to extreme weather conditions in Marseille, in southern France.

Strong winds expected in Polish mountains, IMGW warns

Winds will also pick up in Poland. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) cautions about strong gusts in the Polish mountains.

The Polish storm observer network captured a unique moment as clouds gathered over the mountain peaks, where the halny, a warm, dry wind descending from the Tatra Mountains, began to blow, often bringing rapid weather changes.

Source: IAR/PAP/IMGW/X/@PolishEmbassyUS/@SOB_pl/@SkyNews/@CityofTampa

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