Florida Residents Urged to Take Shelter as Hurricane Milton Nears Landfall
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida residents in its path have been instructed to take shelter on Wednesday afternoon, with the storm expected to make landfall later in the evening. The powerful hurricane is already wreaking havoc, bringing destructive tornadoes, 28-foot waves, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges before officially hitting the coast.
Water level rises on Sarasota Bay will continue over the next hour until a greater storm surge threat develops later into this evening. #Milton #HurricaneMilton #FLwx pic.twitter.com/A91cBiVKDW
— Ben McMillan (@WeatherLiveTV) October 9, 2024
Widespread Power Outages and Dangerous Conditions
Nearly 300,000 Floridians are currently without power as the storm sweeps across the state, according to PowerOutage.US. Though Milton has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane, the National Hurricane Center has warned that it could still be one of the most destructive hurricanes ever to strike west-central Florida.
An extreme wind warning is in effect for Tampa FL, Saint Petersburg FL, Clearwater FL until 9:30 PM EDT for extremely dangerous hurricane winds. Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW! pic.twitter.com/ddbaAC1rhl
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) October 9, 2024
Federal and state officials have issued urgent evacuation orders for residents in Milton’s path to escape the anticipated “catastrophic” winds, with forecasts predicting up to 18 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 15 feet along the coast.
Warnings from Officials: Time to Evacuate
Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning that even the toughest residents may not be able to withstand the “historic” hurricane. Speaking on The Late Show, Harris stressed the need for people to heed evacuation orders.
Earlier this week, I spoke with @FEMA_Deanne about our Administration’s preparations for Hurricane Milton, as well as some of the mis- and disinformation spreading in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Let me be clear:
→ Many people have already received an immediate payment to help… pic.twitter.com/jCdr3YMH0f— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) October 9, 2024
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche echoed these concerns in an interview with CNN, stating that officers will continue to patrol until Hurricane Milton’s winds surpass 45 mph. “If people need help, we’re not going to be able to come to them,” Troche warned, underlining the need for people to evacuate while they still can.
Florida Prepares for Major Impact
With Hurricane Milton bearing down on Florida’s west-central coast, the Sunshine State is bracing for widespread destruction. Emergency teams are on high alert, but as conditions worsen, it will become increasingly difficult for authorities to assist those who remain behind. Residents are urged to take all precautions, evacuate if ordered, and prepare for the storm’s potentially devastating impact.
