Florida Residents Urged to Evacuate as Category 5 Hurricane Milton Targets West Coast

Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, which has intensified to a powerful Category 5 storm, and is set to make landfall along the state’s west coast.

On Monday, hours before the storm reached its peak intensity, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an urgent call for residents to heed evacuation orders.

Warnings from State Officials

“Time is going to start running out very, very soon,” Governor DeSantis stressed at a news conference, emphasizing the life-threatening risks the storm poses.

Kevin Guthrie, the executive director of Florida Emergency Management, echoed the governor’s warning, particularly addressing those in vulnerable areas like Tampa Bay.

“Please, if you’re in the Tampa Bay area, you need to evacuate,” Guthrie urged, adding that deaths from storm surge flooding are entirely preventable.

“Drowning deaths due to storm surge are 100% preventable if you leave.”

Evacuation Orders in Place

Several counties along Florida’s west coast have been placed under evacuation orders, including Charlotte, Citrus, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.

In addition to mandatory evacuations, voluntary evacuation orders are in effect for Glades and Okeechobee counties.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has provided a complete list of evacuation orders on its website and has implemented free shuttles for residents in need of transportation.

“Free shuttles will be operating in Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough counties assisting with #Milton evacuations to shelters,” the Division announced in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In a joint effort, Uber has also stepped in, offering free rides to and from shelters in the affected areas.

Federal Assistance and Preparedness

As Florida prepares for the impending Hurricane Milton, President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration to expedite federal aid for local response efforts.

With over 50 counties in the state now under a state of emergency, officials are racing against the clock to provide necessary resources and support to residents.

Hurricane Milton is expected to weaken to a Category 3 hurricane as it makes landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, but forecasters warn that it will still be a dangerous storm.

Michael Brennan, the director of the National Hurricane Center, urged residents in evacuation zones to act now.

“If you live in a storm surge evacuation zone and you’re asked to leave by your local officials, please do that,” Brennan advised.

“You don’t have to drive hundreds of miles—often just tens of miles inland can be enough to escape the worst of the storm’s impact.”

Brennan also reminded Floridians to have disaster kits prepared, including several days’ worth of nonperishable food, water, medication, and batteries.

Storm Surge and Flooding Threats

One of the most dangerous aspects of Hurricane Milton is the storm surge, which is expected to reach unprecedented levels.

In the Tampa Bay area, experts predict a record-breaking storm surge of 8 to 12 feet, a devastating blow to a region already reeling from the 6 to 8 feet of storm surge brought by Hurricane Helene just days ago.

Flooding is anticipated across much of Florida’s west coast, adding to the dangers posed by Hurricane Milton’s strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Airport Closures and School Cancellations

In preparation for the Hurricane Milton, several Florida airports announced temporary closures, including Orlando International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The University of Florida also confirmed that it will be canceling classes on Wednesday and Thursday, with plans to reopen Friday morning, depending on storm conditions.

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida’s coast, officials continue to emphasize the importance of early evacuation and preparation.

The next 48 hours will be critical as Floridians brace for one of the most powerful storms to strike the state in recent history.

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