Discover the latest information on Hurricane Milton, including evacuation zones, weather forecast, and preparation tips for Florida residents. Stay informed about the storm's path and potential impacts.
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Hurricane Milton, a powerful storm intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, poses a significant threat to Florida's west coast. As of October 7, 2024, the storm is forecast to make landfall around the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday or early Thursday, bringing with it winds of up to 120 mph and heavy rainfall.
Evacuation Zones and Orders
Hillsborough County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zones A and B, as well as all mobile homes and manufactured housing throughout the county starting at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7. Residents in these zones are advised to be in a safe location no later than 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9.
Pinellas County has ordered the evacuation of all residential healthcare facilities in designated zones. Additionally, Manatee and Pasco Counties have mandated the evacuation of residents in specific low-lying areas, mobile homes, and RVs.
Weather Forecast and Storm Surge
As of Monday morning, Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm. It is forecast to remain a major hurricane as it approaches Florida's western coast. The storm surge is expected to be as high as 8 to 12 feet along the west-central coast, including Tampa Bay.
Heavy rainfall is expected to arrive well in advance of the storm's arrival, with scattered heavy rain showers already reported across Florida on Sunday. The heaviest rain is anticipated to arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday, potentially leading to flooding in some areas.
Preparations and Impacts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the state of emergency to 51 counties, urging residents to prepare for potential power outages and disruptions. He advised Floridians to ensure they have enough food and water for a week and to be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Residents in evacuation zones are highly encouraged to heed any instructions from local authorities and evacuate if advised. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating with the governor to stage lifesaving resources, and up to 4,000 National Guard troops are assisting state crews with debris removal.
School Closures and Public Preparations
Public school districts in numerous counties will close from Monday through at least Wednesday, and Florida Gulf Coast University near Fort Myers will close its campus on Tuesday and Wednesday, transitioning to remote operations.
Gas stations experienced long lines on Sunday as residents stocked up on fuel and other essentials. Emergency officials encourage Floridians to identify their evacuation zones, plan their routes, and depart as soon as they receive evacuation orders.
Tracking the Storm
The NHC advises that areas including Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys, and the northwestern Bahamas should keep a close watch on the storm's trajectory. Forecasters warn that certain areas could receive up to 30 inches of rain by Wednesday night.
For the most accurate tracking, residents can use spaghetti models provided by the NHC to visualize the storm's potential path and impacts. These models help understand the variability in forecast trajectories.
In Conclusion, Hurricane Milton is a significant threat to Florida's west coast, with mandatory evacuation orders in place for several counties. Residents are advised to stay informed through local news and official updates from the NHC. Preparations should include securing essential supplies, identifying evacuation zones, and following instructions from local authorities. The storm's potential impacts include heavy rainfall, storm surge, and power outages, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preparations and timely evacuations.
Stay updated with the latest information on Hurricane Milton through official channels and trusted news sources to ensure your safety during this critical period.
About the Writer
Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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