Hurricane Milton has swiftly escalated to a category five storm, making its way toward the US Gulf Coast, according to the latest update from the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Winds reaching speeds of 160mph (250km/h) have been documented as Milton approaches Florida, with predictions indicating landfall could occur on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
In a significant development, Floridians are being urged to brace for what is anticipated to be the state’s most extensive evacuation operation in years. Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a stark warning, indicating that the window for evacuation is closing rapidly.
“Time is set to run out imminently,” he stated.
Evacuation orders are set to be issued by counties throughout the day on Monday, with tolls suspended on roads in western and central Florida, according to reports.
Hillsborough county evacuation zones
Hillsborough County officials have announced a mandatory evacuation order affecting Evacuation Zones A and B, as well as all mobile homes and manufactured housing across the County. The order will take effect at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7.
The County has announced the opening of nine shelters aimed at assisting residents located in mandatory evacuation zones. This initiative also extends to individuals whose homes are at risk of storm surge, flooding, and those particularly vulnerable to wind damage.
Residents living in Evacuation Zone A, Zone B, and all mobile and manufactured homes are urged to relocate to a safe location by 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
During a recent press briefing, Dave Kerner, the executive director of the Florida Highway Patrol, urged residents in the path of Hurricane Milton to prioritize their safety by evacuating without hesitation, emphasizing that concerns about looting or property theft should not deter them from leaving.
“This is a law-and-order state,” he stated, assuring a strong law enforcement presence in areas that have been evacuated.
“We will not tolerate individuals who engage in looting or seek to exploit those facing an emergency,” he stated. “Residents are urged to evacuate without delay, despite concerns about potential damage or theft of property.”
Bumper-to-bumper traffic has congested interstates as residents of Florida’s west coast make their way to safety in anticipation of the hurricane’s expected arrival on Wednesday.
Tampa International Airport closed ahead of Hurricane Milton – Shutterstock ImageTampa International Airport to close
Tampa International Airport is set to suspend operations starting tomorrow at 9 a.m. local time, with plans to remain closed until conditions improve following the storm.
Officials announced, “The Airport expects to reopen following a damage assessment that will commence as soon as conditions allow.”
Tampa International Airport has been designated as being in a “A” evacuation zone, meaning it will remain closed to the public and will not function as a shelter for individuals or vehicles during the impending storm.
In a proactive response to the impending hurricane, airport personnel are set to engage in critical preparations today and tomorrow morning. Their efforts will focus on safeguarding aircraft and jet bridges, securing ground equipment, and readying both the airfield and terminals for the storm’s approach.
Hurricane Milton is poised to potentially become the most devastating storm to strike the Tampa region in more than a century. It stands out as one of just 40 hurricanes documented to reach a Category 5 status in the Atlantic. Additionally, it is among a select group of seven hurricanes that have transitioned from a Category 1 classification to a Category 5 within a mere 24 hours.
Related News:
Hurricane Kirk Could Cause Dangerous Surf Conditions Along The US East Coast
Hurricane Kirk Could Cause Dangerous Surf Conditions Along The US East Coast
