Check out this Orlando resident’s unusual hurricane prep
Pedro Caceres isn’t taking any chances with his home’s roof.
On Wednesday, the Orlando resident showed CNN’s Brian Abel the extensive measures he’s taken to prepare for Hurricane Milton. Heavy-duty cargo straps stretch from the front yard, over the house, and into the backyard, anchored securely in buried cement.
Caceres explained that he brought this technique from Puerto Rico, where he lived over 20 years ago. He estimated the setup cost around $2,000 for the specialized straps and an additional $1,000 for cement poured 8 feet into the ground to secure them.
This is his second time securing his home this way—the first being for Hurricane Charley in 2004.
“We’re praying to God that this second hurricane holds our home, like it did the first time,” said his daughter, Raisa Caceres.
Milton could make landfall earlier now
Milton’s projected landfall time has been moved up due to a southward shift in its track.According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm could come ashore as early as 11 p.m., or within the next 12 hours, somewhere near or just south of Sarasota.
This slight shift is significant. Since this morning, the hurricane’s expected landfall point has moved 10 miles south, and 16 miles south since Tuesday morning. With less of the Gulf of Mexico to traverse before reaching land, the storm is now expected to arrive sooner.
This earlier landfall doesn’t leave much time for Milton to weaken. With only 12 hours left over water, it will likely make landfall as a major hurricane tonight, at Category 3 or 4 strength.
