Florida Officials Urge Evacuations as Hurricane Milton Strengthens to Category 5

Many Florida residents are being urged to evacuate as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies, now a Category 5 storm, and sets its sights on the state’s west coast. Ahead of the hurricane’s expected landfall, officials are stressing the seriousness of evacuation orders, particularly in areas like Tampa Bay.

At a news conference on Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned residents to act quickly. “Time is going to start running out very, very soon,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Kevin Guthrie, Florida’s Emergency Management Director, echoed the governor’s call, particularly urging those in low-lying areas. “Drowning deaths due to storm surge are 100% preventable if you leave,” he stated, underscoring the dangers posed by the massive storm surge expected along the coast.

Evacuation orders exist for several counties, including Charlotte, Citrus, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota. In addition, voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for Glades and Okeechobee counties. The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website has a full list of evacuation zones.

Currently, more than 50 counties across Florida are under state of emergency orders as Milton approaches. Though expected to weaken slightly before landfall, the storm is projected to still be a powerful Category 3 hurricane by the time it reaches the state late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

Federal help is also on the way. President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration to allow federal assistance to support local preparations and response efforts. Flooding and storm surge remain significant concerns, with storm surges of 8 to 12 feet forecasted in the Tampa Bay area, following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene’s 6 to 8 feet surge.

Residents in storm surge zones are urged to leave immediately, and those staying inland are encouraged to prepare disaster kits, which should include several days’ worth of nonperishable food, water, medications, and batteries.

Several airports, including Orlando International, St. Pete-Clearwater, and Sarasota Bradenton, have announced closures in anticipation of the hurricane.