– It’s a bit surreal, because there are messages over the public address system that say “We hope you enjoyed your experience of Orlando” at the same time as we are trying to escape from the hurricane that is coming, says Jørgen Lund Karlsen. He is a saxophonist in the group Blåsemafian. The Norwegian band has been on assignment in the American city of Orlando in Florida. Early Wednesday morning Norwegian time, the Norwegians had a very bad time. US authorities have issued evacuation orders for eleven counties around Florida, with a total of 5.9 million inhabitants. Hurricane “Milton” is on its way. The six musicians sat straight in a car in the direction of the airport. The six Norwegian musicians went straight to the airport on the night of Wednesday US time. Photo: Jørgen Lund Karlsen – There is a rather serious atmosphere here. People are frustrated and seek shelter, but it seems at the same time that most people are somewhat used to this, says Karlsen. – It was terrifying to get to the airport and see the screens with all the flights that had been cancelled. We finally found one plane, but we don’t know if it will work yet. The hurricane is now in the Gulf of Mexico and is heading towards the US mainland. Exactly where the hurricane will hit is uncertain, but it is moving towards the west coast of Florida. Category 5 hurricane Calculations say that the extreme weather will probably make landfall late Wednesday evening American time, close to the big city of Tampa. On the night of Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center in the USA announced that “Milton” has gained strength, and the wind speed has increased to over 250 kilometers per hour. “Milton” has again become a category 5 hurricane. It is expected that “Milton” will retain hurricane strength all the way it passes over Florida. Photo: NOAA / AFP – We must emphasize that this is a very serious situation. “Milton” has the potential to become one of the most destructive hurricanes to ever hit the central part of Florida’s west coast, the hurricane center writes. The strong wind is expected to do a lot of damage, but the water is the biggest threat. – A large area on the coast will be exposed to a devastating storm surge. This is an extreme and life-threatening situation, reports the centre. Hoping for a flight to New York Blåsemafian played a concert in Orlando on Tuesday. – It was very strange to play here yesterday. It’s strange to stand there with full energy and positivity, at the same time as “Hurricane, seek refuge” is repeated over and over again on the news, says saxophonist Jørgen Lund Karlsen. The group really became famous when they took part in Melodi Grand Prix in 2021 with the song “Let Loose”. The Norwegian musicians are in good spirits. Photo: Jørgen Lund Karlsen The concert in the USA was commissioned by a private person, and was a collaboration with the Norwegian DJ Alan Walker. Karlsen says that Walker has already gotten away. – Alan said he had to “jet” and flew by private plane right after he finished playing. We will try to take a regular scheduled flight. There is a difference between people, but that’s how it is, he laughs. Now the group is anxiously waiting to see if they too can get on a plane away from Orlando. – Our plan now is just to get away from here. We found one plane that goes to New York, it’s even the right direction. Then we will try to organize a trip home to Norway from there. Published 09.10.2024, at 14.10
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Norwegians flee Florida – news Østfold – Local news, TV and radio
