Hurricane Milton Poised To Hit Florida: Evacuations Underway As State Recovers From Helene

As Hurricane Milton escalates into a Category 5 storm, Florida faces a looming disaster that threatens to compound the already significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene. With maximum sustained winds reaching 175 mph, Milton is projected to make landfall in the coming days, prompting urgent evacuation orders across the state.

Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, indicating that this is the largest evacuation effort Florida has seen in nearly a decade. “If you’re on the west coast of Florida, just assume you’ll be asked to leave,” he advised residents, emphasizing the critical need for preparedness.

The National Hurricane Center has warned of life-threatening storm surges that could impact the Tampa Bay area, where residents are already overwhelmed by debris from Helene. Sheriff Gualtieri made it clear: “This is going to be bad,” urging the public to take evacuation seriously and prepare for the worst.

Efforts to remove debris from Helene are being hampered as residents rush to prepare for Milton’s arrival. In response to the dire circumstances, DeSantis ordered debris collection sites to remain open 24/7, urging the community to clear hazardous waste before the storm arrives.

With the potential for catastrophic conditions ahead, Floridians are urged to prioritize their safety as they navigate this dual disaster.