As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, several counties have issued evacuation orders, following closely on the heels of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just weeks ago.
Milton, having rapidly intensified from a Category 4 to a Category 5 hurricane, is expected to hit the Tampa Bay area by Wednesday and will move across the state before heading out to sea. While some weakening is anticipated before landfall, forecasters warn that the storm could maintain its intensity as it makes its way toward Florida.
BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP
Mandatory evacuation orders are currently in effect for Charlotte, Citrus, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Volusia counties. Hernando County will implement its mandatory evacuation at 8 a.m. Tuesday, while Glades, Sarasota, and Okeechobee counties are under voluntary evacuation orders.
Newsweek/Flourish
For the latest updates on evacuation orders, check out Florida’s emergency management website: floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders.
On Monday, President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida, allowing FEMA to mobilize disaster relief funds and assist in the response efforts.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced she would be heading to Florida to coordinate the emergency response, while recovery efforts continue in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
A recent FEMA statement encourages residents in Milton’s path to “prepare for the hurricane’s potentially deadly impacts.” They advised ensuring you know your evacuation route and to act swiftly if an evacuation is necessary.
By Monday morning, many gas stations in Tampa and Fort Myers reported fuel shortages as residents prepared for the storm. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that additional fuel supplies are on their way to the affected areas.
The Tampa Bay area faces predicted storm surges of up to 12 feet, significantly higher than those experienced during Helene.
In light of Milton’s impending landfall, several airports, including Tampa International Airport, are preparing for temporary closures on Tuesday.
Hurricane Helene had devastating effects, claiming at least 230 lives and causing widespread destruction from Florida to North Carolina, according to the Associated Press.