Florida braces for its largest evacuation since 2017 as Hurricane Milton closes in, threatening major metropolitan areas.
At a Glance
- Hurricane Milton is upgraded to Category 4 with potential to reach Category 5 status.
- Mandatory evacuations and emergency alerts issued across 51 counties.
- FEMA coordinates disaster relief with state and federal agencies.
- Approximately 15 million people under flood watches.
Hurricane Milton Advances
Hurricane Milton has increased in force, nearing Category 5 status with winds reaching 155 mph. Forecasts indicate landfall on Wednesday evening along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm poses a substantial threat to densely populated areas such as Tampa and Orlando, pushing the state toward extensive evacuation measures.
The evacuation effort anticipates moving more people than during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Essential services focus on managing fuel supply logistics and shelter availability. The effort comes as Florida continues recovery from Hurricane Helene. Close to 15 million residents face flood warnings, and 11 million risk tropical tornadoes.
Milton is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the west coast of the Florida Peninsula midweek. Do not focus on the details of the forecast. There is still significant uncertainty in the eventual track and intensity of #Milton.
While it is too soon to specify the… pic.twitter.com/Fbt77z7EVw
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 6, 2024
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Governor Ron DeSantis announced emergency declarations for 51 counties, activating the state’s emergency response. Many counties, including Hillsborough and Sarasota, have issued mandatory evacuations. Schools and colleges in affected areas will shut temporarily. The primary concern is the storm surge, anticipated to reach 8 to 12 feet.
Transportation infrastructure prepares as emergency fuel sources and electric vehicle charging are organized. Road tolls in western central Florida are suspended, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will close post-final flight on Tuesday. Residents are recommended to gather a week’s supply of essential provisions.
Evacuation orders will be called in some counties due to Hurricane #Milton.
Visit https://t.co/5C0Wq9beZR to learn if your home is in an evacuation zone & #MakeAPlan NOW!
Visit https://t.co/3v9oy5LvoB to see if your county is evacuating. pic.twitter.com/jgJQpkzLqy
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) October 6, 2024
Federal Aid and Future Projections
FEMA collaborates with state stakeholders and has consulted President Joe Biden regarding strategies. The agency prepares wide-ranging support amid existing political dynamics. Approximately $140 million in federal assistance has been approved.
The National Weather Service emphasizes the unprecedented path Milton is taking, approaching Florida from the west, an unusual occurrence since 1850. The surrounding record-warm waters are credited with intensifying hurricanes at an unexpected rate.
Sources:
- Milton ‘explosively intensifies’ into Category 5 hurricane, triggers storm surge warnings for Florida’s Gulf Coast
- Hurricane Milton is growing stronger as it blows toward Florida’s Tampa Bay region
- Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies to category five strength
- Hurricane Milton strengthens into Category 5 and is taking aim at Florida