Hurricane Milton has strengthened, prompting the state weather bureau and government officials to urge Florida residents to prepare and evacuate if necessary.
Vehicles head east on I-75 from Florida’s west coast before Hurricane Milton arrives on October 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The latest advisory, issued on October 9 by the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center (NHC), signals an escalating threat as the storm approaches the Gulf Coast.
According to the NHC, Milton is expected to make landfall late in the evening as a dangerous major hurricane. Weather conditions are likely to start deteriorating in the afternoon, with impacts worsening as the storm approaches.
The latest advisory follows an October 8 update from the NHC, which included graphical forecasts shared on Instagram. The forecasts indicated that tropical storm conditions and a dangerous storm surge, with destructive waves, would affect the northern Yucatan Peninsula that evening.
The National Hurricane Center’s graph, posted on October 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/nwsnhc_hurricanes
Another graph from the advisory highlights areas facing potential danger. The advisory read, “Heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday brings the risk of catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood threat.”
The National Hurricane Center’s graph, posted on October 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/nwsnhc_hurricanes
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Following the graphs from NHC, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on October 6 for 51 counties, including Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference in Florida on October 4, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
For additional support, the state suspended tolls on major roads and activated transportation plans for smooth traffic flow. The Florida National Guard and State Guard deployed personnel and equipment for search and rescue, damage assessment, and supply distribution.
People loading sandbags into cars in St. Petersburg, Florida, as the state prepares for Hurricane Milton on October 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Emergency operations reached the highest alert level, with essential supplies distributed statewide. Authorities prepared evacuation shelters, including special needs facilities.
A worker outside a shelter at E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion in Miami, Florida, on October 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Officials also secured infrastructure and readied healthcare facilities, prioritizing nursing homes and vulnerable populations. Emergency teams organized resources to protect residents and reduce the hurricane’s impact.
DeSantis also identified additional areas at risk, including Coastal Franklin, Dry Tortugas, Coastal Jefferson, Coastal Wakulla, and Inland Jefferson, to ensure comprehensive preparedness. This action followed his issuance of Executive Order 24-215 on October 6, which amended the previous emergency declaration (Executive Order 24-214) for Tropical Storm Milton.
In addition to establishing evacuation zones and issuing safety guidance, authorities urge residents to follow necessary measures to protect their lives and property.
A damaged vehicle stuck in sand swept up by Hurricane Helene ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall in Treasure Island, Florida, on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Staying informed is key. With the risks in mind, taking proactive steps now can help you stay safe during the storm. Here’s how to protect yourself.
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Piles of debris from Hurricane Helene remain uncollected ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall in Treasure Island, Florida, on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Prepare
Understand your hurricane risk. This includes the potential for heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and tornadoes that can occur far inland from where a storm makes landfall.
Be familiar with the hurricane plans in place, including considerations for those at work, children’s daycare, and other frequently visited locations like grocery stores.
Shelves at a grocery store are empty of bottled water as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico in St. Petersburg, Florida, on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Stock up on essential supplies. Recommended items include medications, disinfectants, and pet supplies, which should be kept in a go-bag or car trunk. Access to these supplies may be limited for days or even weeks following a hurricane.
Employees move an African porcupine named Chompers to a pet carrier at Zoo Tampa ahead of Hurricane Milton, in Florida, on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Make sure to clear drains and gutters, secure outdoor furniture, and consider installing hurricane shutters. It’s also important to charge cell phones and invest in backup power sources for electronics when a hurricane is forecasted.
Workers place sheets of wood over windows and glass doors to protect them from the strong winds expected with the arrival of Hurricane Milton in Mexico, on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Stay Informed
It’s crucial to know if you live in an evacuation zone, listed at the end of this article, as you may need to evacuate quickly during a hurricane. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, practice evacuating with your household and pets, and decide where you will stay.
Follow the guidance of local emergency managers, who work with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies. They will provide up-to-date recommendations based on the specific threats to your community and the necessary safety measures.
A weather alert is displayed along a sidewalk as Hurricane Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico in Tampa, Florida, on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Check On Your Neighbors
Reach out to your neighbors, especially seniors or those who may require extra assistance, to ensure they have adequate hurricane plans in place. Offer your help in securing their preparations and provide support wherever needed.
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Residents line up for propane at a U-Haul location ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall in St. Petersburg, Florida, on October 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Stay Out of Flood Water
Avoid entering floodwaters, as even six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. Prioritize your safety and steer clear of all flooded areas.
People walk through flood waters along a road after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore in Crystal River, Florida, on September 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Turn Around and Do Not Drown
Be aware that just one foot of moving water can easily sweep away a vehicle. Stay vigilant and never drive through flooded areas. Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in floodwaters at all times. If you encounter flooding, turn around and find an alternate route.
A vehicle drives through flood waters after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore in Crystal River, Florida, on September 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Lastly, prioritize your mental health during and after a hurricane. It’s important to acknowledge any feelings of anxiety or stress and seek support when needed. Reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals to discuss your concerns and explore coping strategies.
Tammie Mance hugs her boss Liesl Steiner, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on October 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Evacuate: Know Your Zone and Stay Safe
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor earlier stressed the importance of heeding evacuation zones as Hurricane Milton, forecasted to strengthen and pose deadly threats, approaches Florida’s west coast. She warned residents, “I can say without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die.”
A makeshift cross stands amid fallen trees in front of a destroyed church in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding in Swannanoa, North Carolina, on October 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Tampa, located in Hillsborough County, has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zones A and B, as well as for residents in mobile homes. The city is urging those in the affected areas to evacuate immediately, warning that Hurricane Milton poses a “literally catastrophic” threat.
