Florida Prepares for Biggest Evacuation in Seven Years as Hurricane Milton Approaches
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP) — Hurricane Milton strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane Monday, and Florida is gearing up for what could be its biggest evacuation in seven years as the storm heads toward population centers including Tampa and Orlando.
Hurricane Milton Grows Stronger
Hurricane Milton grew into a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph over the southern Gulf of Mexico. Storm surge and hurricane watches for parts of Florida and a hurricane warning for the Mexican coast were issued, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
Gulf Coast in Florida Expected to Get Hit
The storm-ravaged Gulf Coast in Florida was expected to get hit less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck. While forecast models vary widely, the most likely path suggests Milton could make landfall Wednesday in the Tampa Bay area and remain a hurricane as it moves across central Florida into the Atlantic Ocean.
Evacuation Plans in Place
About 7 million people were urged to evacuate Florida in 2017 as Hurricane Irma bore down on the state. The exodus jammed freeways, led to hours-long lines at gas stations that still had fuel, and left evacuees frustrated and in some cases vowing never to evacuate again.
Building on lessons learned during Irma and other previous storms, Florida is staging emergency fuel for gas vehicles and charging stations for electric vehicles along evacuation routes, Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said at a Sunday briefing.
"We are looking at every potential, possible location that can potentially house someone, as what we refer to in emergency management as a refuge of last resort," Guthrie added.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Warns of Major Impacts
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday that while it remains to be seen where Milton will strike, it’s clear the state is going to be hit hard.
"I don’t think there’s any scenario where we don’t have major impacts at this point," he said.
"You have time to prepare — all day today, all day Monday, probably all day Tuesday, to be sure your hurricane preparedness plan is in place," DeSantis said. "If you’re on that west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you’ll be asked to leave."
Atlantic Sees Three Simultaneous Hurricanes
With Milton achieving hurricane status, this is the first time the Atlantic has had three simultaneous hurricanes after September, according to Colorado State University hurricane scientist Phil Klotzbach. There have been four simultaneous hurricanes in August and September.
St. Petersburg-Tampa Bay Area Still Cleaning Up
The St. Petersburg-Tampa Bay area is still cleaning up extensive damage from Helene and its powerful storm surge. Twelve people perished as Helene swamped the coast, with the worst damage along the narrow, 20-mile string of barrier islands that stretch from St. Petersburg to Clearwater.
DeSantis Expands State of Emergency Declaration
DeSantis expanded his state of emergency declaration Sunday to 51 counties and said Floridians should prepare for more power outages and disruption, making sure they have a week’s worth of food and water and are ready to hit the road.
"We are preparing… for the largest evacuation that we have seen, most likely since 2017, Hurricane Irma," Guthrie said.
National Guard Troops Deployed
As many as 4,000 National Guard troops are helping state crews to remove debris, DeSantis said, and he directed Florida crews dispatched to North Carolina in Helene’s aftermath to return in preparation for Milton.
"All available state assets… are being marshaled to help remove debris," DeSantis said. "We’re going 24-7… it’s all hands on deck."
FEMA Administrator Defends Response
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell defended her agency’s response to Hurricane Helene’s destruction after Republicans’ false claims, amplified by former President Donald Trump, created a frenzy of misinformation across devastated communities.
"This kind of rhetoric is not helpful to people, and it’s really a shame we’re putting politics ahead of helping people," Criswell told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. "It has created fear and mistrust among residents against the thousands of FEMA employees and volunteers on the ground across the southeast."
Federal Disaster Assistance Surpasses $137 Million
Federal disaster assistance has surpassed $137 million since Helene struck more than a week ago, one of the largest mobilizations of personnel and resources in recent history, FEMA said Sunday.
President Joe Biden Pledges Support
"My Administration is sparing no resource to support families as they begin their road to rebuilding," President Joe Biden said. "We will continue working hand-in-hand with local and state leaders — regardless of political party and no matter how long it takes."
Conclusion
Florida is preparing for what could be its biggest evacuation in seven years as Hurricane Milton approaches. The state is staging emergency fuel for gas vehicles and charging stations for electric vehicles along evacuation routes, and Governor Ron DeSantis has warned of major impacts. The National Guard has been deployed to help with debris removal, and FEMA has pledged to support families as they begin their road to rebuilding.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Milton?
A: Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
Q: What are the evacuation plans in place for Florida?
A: About 7 million people are urged to evacuate Florida, with emergency fuel and charging stations being staged along evacuation routes.
Q: What is the expected impact of Hurricane Milton on Florida?
A: Governor Ron DeSantis has warned of major impacts, with the state preparing for power outages and disruption.
Q: How is FEMA responding to Hurricane Milton?
A: FEMA has pledged to support families as they begin their road to rebuilding, with federal disaster assistance surpassing $137 million since Hurricane Helene struck.
Q: What is the current situation in the St. Petersburg-Tampa Bay area?
A: The area is still cleaning up extensive damage from Hurricane Helene and its powerful storm surge.
