Live Updates: Hurricane Milton Strengthens, Urgent Evacuations in Florida
Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying as it approaches Florida, with forecasters warning of destructive winds, dangerous storm surges, and severe flooding throughout the week. The Category 5 storm, currently moving from the Yucatan Peninsula, is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast by Wednesday night.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center has described the situation as “extremely life-threatening,” urging residents in the hurricane zone to evacuate immediately. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 51 counties and is imploring residents to leave their homes as soon as possible to avoid heavy traffic congestion and ensure their safety.
Traffic and Evacuation Updates
In a press conference Tuesday morning, Governor DeSantis reported that traffic on major interstates has increased significantly, with northbound traffic on Interstate 25 averaging around 20 mph. Residents are advised that shelters are available within a reasonable distance, eliminating the need for extensive travel to escape the storm.
To facilitate evacuations, tolls have been suspended, and highway shoulders are being utilized to accommodate the surge in vehicles. Uber is also offering free rides to and from shelters using the promo code “MiltonRelief.”
Airline Disruptions and Shelter Availability
Tampa International Airport announced it would suspend flights at 9 AM EDT on Tuesday, and Orlando International Airport will close at 8 AM EDT on Wednesday. These closures are expected to impact flights to and from Canadian airports, with Toronto Pearson monitoring the situation closely.
Residents are reminded that power outages are likely once Milton makes landfall. They should ensure their devices are charged and make necessary preparations for shelter.
Recovery from Hurricane Helene
Florida is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which claimed at least 230 lives and caused significant destruction along the Gulf Coast. Many communities are in the process of recovering from the devastation as Hurricane Milton looms on the horizon.
Heavy rain has already begun in parts of Florida, with reports indicating that Hurricane Milton could bring severe storm surges and additional flooding.
Source: Swifteradio
