Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 5 storm barreling toward the west coast of the state. With millions of residents ordered to evacuate, officials are warning that time is running out to leave, as the storm poses a serious threat of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
As of early Wednesday, Hurricane Milton was about 360 miles (580 kilometers) southwest of Tampa, moving toward the region with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h). Although the National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects the storm to weaken slightly before landfall, it will still be a major hurricane, threatening the densely populated Tampa Bay area. This region, home to more than 3.3 million people, has been largely spared from direct hits by major hurricanes for over a century, making this event particularly alarming.
Urgent Evacuation Orders in Place
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders across 11 Florida counties, covering a population of about 5.9 million people. Florida’s highways have been clogged with cars as residents scramble to escape the approaching storm, but for many, the window for safe evacuation is rapidly closing. Officials are urging anyone still in the storm’s projected path to leave immediately.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the danger posed by the anticipated 15 feet (4.5 meters) of storm surge, which is enough to submerge homes entirely. “If you’re in it, basically that’s the coffin that you’re in,” Castor grimly warned, stressing the importance of heeding evacuation orders.
Milton’s Path and Impact on Florida
Forecasters predict that Hurricane Milton will retain its strength as it crosses central Florida on Thursday, heading toward the Atlantic Ocean. The precise track of the storm remains uncertain, but recent projections have shifted it slightly south of Tampa, increasing the risk for other communities along the coast. Regardless of the exact path, the storm is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges across a wide swath of the state.
The hurricane is hitting Florida just two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western Florida, causing widespread flooding and damage. Helene left at least 230 dead across the southern U.S., and many communities are still struggling to recover. In towns like Punta Gorda, located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Tampa, residents are still cleaning up from the destruction. Streets remain lined with piles of debris—damaged furniture, appliances, and other belongings—dragged out of flooded homes.
Residents Face Tough Decisions
Despite the dire warnings, some residents are choosing to ride out the storm. Scott Joiner, an accountant and art collector in Punta Gorda, is one of them. His home was flooded by Hurricane Helene, and he witnessed bull sharks swimming through the streets. Still, he plans to stay through Hurricane Milton, even though authorities have made it clear that anyone staying behind will be on their own.
“Water is a blessing to have,” Joiner said, “but it is very deadly.” Despite the danger, he’s prepared to face the storm again, unwilling to leave the home he built 17 years ago.
Others, however, are not taking any chances. Evan Purcell, a resident of Anna Maria Island, was preparing to evacuate on Tuesday. After Helene left his home with thousands of dollars in damage, he’s determined not to risk it again. Packing up his father’s ashes and trying to catch his 9-year-old cat, McKenzie, Purcell expressed a sense of dread as Milton approached. “I’m still in shock over the first one, and here comes round two,” he said. “I just have a pit in my stomach about this one.”
Preparations Amidst Debris
In addition to the human toll, state and local governments are racing to clean up debris left over from Hurricane Helene. Officials fear that loose wreckage could turn into deadly projectiles when Hurricane Milton strikes. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reported that over 300 dump trucks have been deployed to remove more than 1,300 loads of debris in affected areas.
International Impact
While Florida braces for the worst, Milton has already impacted other regions. In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the storm passed just offshore, causing minor damage. Power lines, trees, and small structures were damaged near the coast, but no fatalities or major injuries have been reported, according to Yucatan Governor Joaquín Díaz.
Final Call for Evacuations
As Hurricane Milton closes in on Florida, officials continue to urge residents to evacuate if they are in the storm’s path. First responders have made it clear that they will not be able to assist during the height of the storm, and those remaining behind will be on their own until conditions improve.
For those still considering whether to evacuate, the message is clear: leave now while you still can.