Hurricane Milton Lashes Florida: Latest Updates and Evacuation Warnings

Key Takeaways

Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 3 storm, is expected to impact Florida with severe winds, rain, and tornadoes. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for over 7.2 million people in 15 counties, including the Tampa Bay area. The storm could bring a surge up to 12-13 feet along the Florida coast, with significant flooding expected. Residents are urged to either evacuate immediately or prepare to hunker down, as emergency response may be unavailable during the storm. Heavy rainfall of 6-12 inches, and up to 18 inches in some areas, is likely, causing inland flooding risks.

Milton’s Path and Impacts

Hurricane Milton is carving a potentially catastrophic path across the U.S. coast, with Florida’s Gulf coast in the direct line of impact. As the storm barrels toward the densely populated Tampa Bay region, time is running out for residents to evacuate.

The National Hurricane Center warns that the storm’s exact landfall point is uncertain due to its unpredictable path. However, the entire area from Tampa Bay down to Fort Myers is at significant risk of storm surges, tornadoes, and flooding.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

With tropical storm-force winds already hitting the coast, officials are urging immediate evacuation for those in the path of the storm. Pinellas County emergency management director Cathie Perkins warned residents: “This is it, folks. You need to get out, and you need to get out now.”

In Polk County, Emergency Management Director Paul Womble advised residents to shelter in place if they haven’t evacuated yet, saying, “Unless you have a good reason to leave at this point, we suggest you just hunker down.”

More than 60% of gas stations in the Tampa Bay area are out of fuel, and roadways have been clogged as millions attempt to leave. Governor Ron DeSantis reported the deployment of 9,000 National Guard members and 50,000 utility workers to aid in recovery efforts post-storm.

Potential Storm Surges and Flooding

The storm is expected to unleash a surge of up to 12 feet in the Tampa Bay region and up to 13 feet between Sarasota and Fort Myers. Flooding will also be a major concern as the storm moves inland, with some areas projected to receive up to 18 inches of rain.

Residents in coastal regions still reeling from Hurricane Helene are racing to clear debris from the streets before Milton makes landfall. Any loose objects could become deadly projectiles as the storm intensifies.

Stories from the Ground

Despite the warnings, some residents have decided to stay put. Luisa Meshekoff, who lives in Tampa’s Channel District, decided to remain in her home with her partner and eight cats, stating, “I think if you have water and batteries, everything’s OK.”

Others, like Josh Parks from Charlotte Harbor, chose to flee. Parks said his neighborhood still hasn’t fully recovered from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, and he isn’t taking any chances.

Conclusion

With the storm still approaching, officials continue to stress the importance of evacuating if you are in the storm’s direct path. For those who can’t leave, now is the time to ensure your safety by securing supplies and hunkering down in a safe location.

Stay tuned for live updates on Hurricane Milton as the situation develops.

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