Hurricane Milton remains a ferocious storm that could land a once-in-a-century direct hit on Tampa and St. Petersburg. It could engulf the populous region with towering storm surges and turn debris from Helene’s devastation 12 days ago into projectiles.
While the storm had previously weakened, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Tuesday that Hurricane Milton was once again a Category 5 storm.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, reaching Category 5 status, Alaska officials warn of a potential IV fluids shortage from damage caused by a previous storm, Hurricane Helene. The Alaska Department of Health has alerted emergency medical services statewide after a key factory that produces 60% of the nation’s IV fluids was severely impacted by Helene’s flooding.
The North Cove factory, operated by Baxter International Inc. in North Carolina, was partially flooded after a levee breach, causing extensive damage to the facility and nearby infrastructure. Alaska health officials, concerned about potential shipment delays, advise rural EMS providers to plan by increasing orders and securing alternative supplies.
Providence Alaska Medical Center, the state’s largest hospital, is already taking steps to conserve IV fluids and explore alternative solutions to avoid disruptions in patient care. Federal guidance on the issue is expected soon as the healthcare sector nationwide braces for potential shortages in the coming weeks.
