Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm, is barreling across the Gulf of Mexico with sustained winds reaching a dangerous 160 miles per hour. The storm is expected to make landfall along Florida’s west coast late Wednesday or early Thursday, forcing widespread evacuations and triggering emergency responses across the state.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the evacuation of coastal counties as officials rush to prepare for Milton’s arrival. Many areas are still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated the Southeast just weeks ago. Emergency shelters are opening up across Florida, providing a safe haven for those fleeing the storm’s path. Florida’s Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie has urged residents to evacuate as soon as possible, particularly if they require power or have special needs. “Don’t wait until the last minute. Get on the road today if you plan to evacuate,” Guthrie advised.
The National Hurricane Center has issued storm surge warnings and hurricane watches for much of Florida’s west coast, while officials brace for Milton’s expected landfall. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the agency’s readiness for the storm, noting that resources have been pre-positioned throughout the state, and they are working closely with Governor DeSantis to respond swiftly once Milton strikes.
Biden Signs Emergency Declaration as Storm Nears
In Washington, President Joe Biden signed an emergency disaster declaration for Florida on Monday, paving the way for federal resources to be deployed ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. This declaration will allow FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to mobilize additional personnel and equipment to assist in hurricane response efforts. This is the second major storm to hit Florida in less than a month, following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
“We’re not taking any chances with this storm,” Biden said during a press briefing. “FEMA, the National Guard, and federal resources are in place, and we are ready to support Florida as this dangerous hurricane makes landfall.” Biden has also been in contact with state and local officials to ensure a coordinated response.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris visited North Carolina to oversee ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. She reassured communities still reeling from Helene’s destruction that federal aid would continue to flow despite the incoming threat from Milton.
Evacuations and Preparations Across Florida
With Milton approaching, many counties along Florida’s west coast have issued mandatory evacuation orders. Governor DeSantis reassured Floridians that shelters are opening and that they do not need to travel far from home to find safety. “We can get creative with shelter options, and people don’t need to go hundreds of miles to stay safe. Stay within your county if possible,” DeSantis stated.
Florida’s transportation officials are also taking steps to ensure safe evacuations. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun lifting tolls on major highways to ease congestion as people evacuate. FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue emphasized the importance of leaving early, noting that traffic is already picking up on major routes like I-75 and I-4. Emergency generators and pumps are being deployed to prevent flooding and power outages at key traffic signals along evacuation routes.
Fuel shortages are not expected at this time, according to Governor DeSantis. The state has stockpiled over 400,000 gallons of diesel and gasoline, with additional reserves en route. Florida ports remain operational, and fuel deliveries continue uninterrupted.
FEMA and State Coordination in Full Force
FEMA’s Deanne Criswell has reassured residents that the agency is fully prepared for Milton. Speaking on This Week, she dismissed rumors circulating on social media that FEMA is underfunded due to immigration issues, calling them “false and unhelpful.” Criswell affirmed that FEMA resources are fully focused on the hurricane response and recovery efforts in Florida.
Emergency services are also closely monitoring the storm’s potential impact on Florida’s Space Coast. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center has announced preparations for potential disruptions, including intermittent gate closures. The hazardous weather has already delayed the planned splashdown of Crew-8 astronauts until at least Thursday. Meanwhile, SpaceX celebrated a successful launch earlier today as part of an asteroid defense mission, despite concerns over Milton’s approach.
Theme Parks and Coastal Attractions Brace for Impact
Orlando’s Walt Disney World is preparing for the worst as Milton approaches. While the park remains open for now, management has stopped selling advanced tickets for Wednesday, when the storm is expected to pass through central Florida. In a statement, Disney said it is prioritizing guest and employee safety and may close temporarily depending on storm conditions. The park has closed for storms in the past, most recently during Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022.
Long Road to Recovery After Milton
As Floridians brace for Milton’s arrival, recovery teams are still working to repair the damage from Hurricane Helene. With both storms in quick succession, officials are cautioning that the road to recovery will be long and challenging. Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate remarked that it could take years to rebuild the most devastated areas.
For now, all eyes remain on Hurricane Milton, as Florida prepares for what could be one of the most destructive storms in recent history.
