Milton restrengthened into a Category 5 hurricane late Tuesday afternoon as it moved toward western Florida.
Governor Ron DeSantis warned the state’s residents that “time is running out” for them to evacuate.
“You may have a window where it may be safe, but you may not,” he said. “So, use today as your day to finalize and execute the plan that is going to protect you and your family.”
His warning comes after Tampa mayor Jane Castor told CNN on Monday that residents will die if they don’t evacuate as Hurricane Milton races towards the state’s west coast.
Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the Sunshine State almost two weeks ago, was a “wake-up call,” she said. Milton could be “literally catastrophic,” Castor added.
The potential “once in a lifetime” storm rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane on Monday with sustained winds surpassing 180mph, before slowing to Category 4 on Tuesday.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton may regain strength and grow in size, posing “even more danger” as it is expected to make landfall in Florida by Wednesday evening, slamming into the densely populated Tampa Bay.
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration on Monday after pledging “life-saving resources in advance of the storm,” the day prior.
Sarasota County Schools will be closed through the week
Sarasota County schools will be closed through the week.
“We will let you know – as soon as possible – about school reopening after Hurricane Milton has passed,” the district said Tuesday. “Our facilities team will need time to safely conduct countywide assessments on all of our sites to ensure our traditional public schools and offices are safe to welcome back students, teachers, and staff members.”
Julia Musto8 October 2024 22:20
Disney World says its theme parks, entertainment complex will close Wednesday afternoon
In a reversal, Walt Disney World said mid-Tuesday afternoon that its theme parks would close in phases.
Julia Musto8 October 2024 22:10
Hillsborough County tells residents to get to a safe place by 7 a.m. Wednesday
Julia Musto8 October 2024 21:55
Heavy rain poses risk of extreme flooding, flash flooding to most of Florida
Julia Musto8 October 2024 21:30
Heart-racing video shows hurricane plane experiencing massive turbulence going through Hurricane Milton
Video of the Tuesday flight showed NOAA researchers with the agency’s Commissioned Officers Corps holding onto the aircraft interior as the storm’s 155mph (249kph) winds buffetted the plane. Outside, only the wing of the plane was visible against the dark gray clouds of the storm.
The crew of the “Miss Piggy” was flying into the giant storm to collect data to improve forecasts and broaden their understanding of the storm.
Julia Musto8 October 2024 21:20
Florida leaders receive briefing about Milton from Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Julia Musto8 October 2024 21:19