Hurricane Milton has strengthened, prompting the state weather bureau and government officials to urge Florida residents to prepare and evacuate if necessary.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
The following counties have issued evacuation orders.
Charlotte County: Mandatory evacuation for residents in Red Zone-A, Orange Zone-B, and those living in mobile and manufactured homes.
Citrus County: Mandatory evacuation beginning October 8, for all residents living in campers, tents, mobile homes, manufactured homes, or any structures unable to withstand sustained winds of up to 110 MPH.
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Collier County: Voluntary precautionary evacuation effective immediately for all residents in Collier County in Zones A and B, including west of Airport Pulling Road and south of US-41 Tamiami Trail E. Mobile home residents and areas with a history of storm flooding are also included. A mandatory evacuation for all of Zones A and B began on October 8.
DeSoto County: Evacuation orders for Zones A (Red) and B (Orange), including all residents living in mobile and manufactured homes, as well as those in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Clay County: No mandatory evacuation orders, but residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas, especially along Black Creek or the St. Johns River, are strongly encouraged to consider relocating for safety.
Hardee County: Residents in low-lying areas, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and unsafe structures are advised to evacuate as soon as possible, as per Hardee County Emergency Management on October 7.
Glades County: Voluntary evacuation for mobile homes, RV parks, and low-lying areas, which started on October 8.
Hillsborough County: Mandatory evacuation for Evacuation Zones A and B, including all mobile homes and manufactured housing throughout the county, beginning October 7.
Hernando County: Mandatory evacuation orders for all areas west of US 19, including evacuation zones A, B, and C, from October 8. This includes all residents in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as those in manufactured homes countywide.
Levy County: Mandatory evacuation for all mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicle parks, coastal communities, and low-lying areas west of US 19. Hurricane risk shelters have opened at Bronson Elementary for special needs and Bronson Middle High School for general population/pet-friendly evacuations.
Lee County: Mandatory evacuation orders for Zones A and B, urging residents to finalize emergency plans and evacuate as soon as possible, aiming to be in a safe location by the evening of October 8.
Manatee County: Mandatory evacuation for all residents in Levels A, B, and C, including visitors in RVs or mobile homes, effective October 7.
Marion County: Recommended evacuation for residents living in mobile homes, RVs, modular-type homes, and site-built homes constructed before 1994 due to the hurricane’s projected path, as per Marion County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management.
Miami-Dade County: Voluntary evacuation center for residents of mobile home parks, opening the E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion on October 8, as a pet-friendly evacuation option.
Okeechobee County: Voluntary evacuation for all low-lying areas and mobile homes starting October 8.
Pasco County: Mandatory evacuations for Zone C as the hurricane approaches. Evacuations are also required for those in Zones A, B, or C, as well as residents in manufactured homes, RVs, low-lying areas, or structures prone to flooding.
Volusia County: Mandatory evacuation order taking effect on October 9, for all areas east of the Intracoastal Waterway, including residents in manufactured and mobile homes, low-lying and flood-prone areas, as well as campsites and RV parks.
Sumter County: Residents in mobile homes, low-lying areas, or with special needs are strongly urged to consider evacuation or relocating to a shelter when they open.
Sarasota County: Residents in Sarasota County living in Level A or near Level A, as well as those in manufactured home communities or mobile/boat homes, are advised to implement their evacuation plans immediately, whether that involves staying with friends or leaving the area.
Pinellas County: Mandatory evacuation for all residents in Zones A, B, and C, as well as all mobile homes. Special needs residents and residential healthcare facilities in these zones are also included in the evacuation order.
Putnam County: Recommended evacuation for Zones F and A due to concerns regarding high river levels.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida residents must prioritize preparedness, follow evacuation orders, and stay informed. Community support and proactive measures are essential for safety during this dangerous storm.
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