Florida residents are facing a critical situation as Hurricane Milton approaches the state’s western coastline. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings about the potential devastation that Milton could bring, with a storm surge of up to 15 feet.
As of 8 a.m. ET, Milton was classified as a high-end Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 mph. The storm is currently about 250 miles southwest of Tampa and moving at a speed of 16 mph. Multiple safety advisories and evacuation orders are in effect in western Florida, with the possibility of rainfall totals reaching 18 inches.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared states of emergency in 51 out of 67 counties, emphasizing the importance of taking action now to ensure safety. Forecasters are cautioning that Milton is expected to grow in size as it approaches Florida, highlighting the dangers of both the storm surge and high winds.
Local NPR member stations are providing coverage of the impact of Hurricane Milton across Florida, including in cities like Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Miami, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. It is crucial for residents in the storm’s path to stay informed and follow evacuation orders to protect themselves and their families from the potential dangers of Hurricane Milton.