TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned residents Monday to prepare to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton, even as crews continued to work to clean up the debris left by Hurricane Helene.
As of Monday afternoon, Hurricane Milton was a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 175 mph. As the storm moves eastward, it is expected to strengthen and make landfall on Florida's west coast as a major hurricane on Wednesday. Forecasters warned that Tampa Bay could see a storm surge of 8 to 12 feet and said 5 to 10 inches of rain across mainland Florida and the Keys could cause flash and river flooding, with up to 15 inches in some areas.
The National Weather Service in Tampa said: “If the storm continues on its current path, it will be the most severe storm to affect the Tampa area in more than 100 years.” 1921, October 25, Tarpon Springs Hurricane as a Category 3 storm It hit Florida with sustained winds of about 115 mph. Eight people died, nearly half from drowning and others from dangers from falling debris or live wires.
Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said Monday that the state is preparing for the largest evacuations since 2017.
Guthrie and DeSantis said shelters will be open and providing food and water. However, capacity will be limited.
Florida and much of the South are still recovering from the devastation caused by Category 4 Helen on September 26. Report, 2005 Hurricane Katrina. On Monday, DeSantis also announced increased state support for county debris removal efforts, with 800 Guardsmen already deployed and 4,000 Guardsmen expected to assist.
President Joe Biden announced that he approved an emergency declaration for Florida and ordered federal aid to supplement possible response efforts for emergencies caused by Hurricane Milton.
DeSantis has been urging residents to prepare for potential power outages by restocking hurricane kits, filling gas tanks, heeding emergency sirens, knowing their evacuation zones and making sure they have enough food and water for seven days.
Officials advised residents to move electric vehicles away from their homes because exposure to salt water during the storm could cause fires.
Local counties in the path of Hurricane Milton are preparing to provide sandbags to residents in need.
Indian River County residents Todd Toussaint and his wife, Marcella, said they plan to ride out the storm. They recently had their hurricane zones checked, which helped their modular home withstand a Category 2 storm.
“We're going to stay,” Toussaint said.
Meanwhile, grocery stores and parking lots in the area were packed with people buying last-minute supplies.
Vero Beach resident Sue Kervin and her sister were among those shopping for necessities.
“The old standbys: toilet paper and water. You have to have those!” said Kerwin, who also stocked up on luncheon meats, bread and donuts.
Indian River County officials said they were monitoring supplies being shipped to the area and assuring residents there was enough supplies, despite long lines forming around gas stations with people filling up.
“I have gas and I want to make sure I fill it up,” said resident Charles Kaune.
Schools across Florida preemptively canceled classes from Tuesday through Thursday and tentatively planned to reopen on Friday, depending on conditions.
The authors are journalists affiliated with Sinclair Broadcast Group, a media partner of The Baltimore Sun.
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