Bahamians in Central Florida Prepare for Monster Storm Milton

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Romeika Ferguson-Adderley – Bahamian Living in Central Florida
“This storm is the first that is actually a direct hit to the Tampa Bay area. You know, it’s not just like gliding up the coast, the west coast of Florida. Um, we have definitely taken all precautions that we know.”

Hurricane Milton is being described as one of the most powerful systems to threaten Florida in recent years. The storm is packing winds in excess of 160 miles per hour, with forecasters warning of catastrophic damage if it makes landfall at its current strength.

Romeika Ferguson-Adderley, along with her husband and two children, lives in Wesley Chapel, just a few minutes from the Tampa Bay area. Adderley’s husband is the pastor of the Forest Hill Church of God of Prophecy in Tampa.

As Milton continues to track closer, they’re taking no chances.

Romeika Ferguson-Adderley – Bahamian Living in Central Florida
“We have definitely walked through filling the tubs with water, making sure we have buckets that have water in them. You know, we’ve done the ‘fill your Ziploc bags, put them in the freezer in case you need ice quickly.’ Um, I think our country’s prepared us well for any pending storm and any trouble that may come with this storm.”

According to weather experts, the storm’s impact could be felt across hundreds of miles, with life-threatening storm surges expected to inundate coastal communities.

While they’re not in a flood-prone area, the family of four is prepared to evacuate if need be.

Romeika Ferguson-Adderley – Bahamian Living in Central Florida
“Unless we were in an evacuation zone or unless something tragic occurred, they recommend that you stay in place. So we were thinking through, ‘What if something were to happen?’ We probably would go north, as opposed to south. But for right now, we’re still waiting to see what the next 12 to 24 hours brings for us before we make those final decisions.”

Facing Back-to-Back Hurricanes

The family was in the Tampa Bay area when Hurricane Helene lashed Central Florida two weeks ago. Adderley shared what it’s like having to prepare for yet another storm.

Romeika Ferguson-Adderley – Bahamian Living in Central Florida
“You’re like, okay, we just dealt with Helene. Like I said, we have a parishioner who is not even finished cleaning out their home. Over the next 24 hours, we’re trying to ensure that everything is out of their home, into a pod, and somewhere safe. They’re in a hotel. So it’s just that emotional and physical weariness.”