Millions of residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast are evacuating as Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm with winds of 155 mph, barrels toward the state. The National Hurricane Center warns that Milton will be “extremely dangerous” when it makes landfall, expected either tonight or early Thursday. As of the latest update, Milton is located approximately 210 miles southwest of Tampa, and its outer bands are already lashing the coast, with conditions expected to worsen throughout the day.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor continues to urge residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately, warning, “People are going to die if they don’t evacuate.” Evacuation orders have been issued for over five million people in one of the largest evacuation efforts in Florida’s history, primarily in the densely populated Tampa Bay region. Despite the urgency, some residents, like Tampa business owner Rick Mijares, have chosen to stay. Mijares acknowledged the risks but said he is prepared to ride out the storm.
Governor DeSantis Mobilizes Historic Response Effort
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has overseen the largest deployment of National Guard troops and utility workers in the state’s history. Nearly 10,000 National Guardsmen, including out-of-state personnel, have been activated to aid in search and rescue efforts. More than 50,000 utility workers are also stationed across the state, ready to restore power in the aftermath of the storm.
“This is a very powerful storm, and we are doing everything we can to prepare,” DeSantis said, warning Floridians that Hurricane Milton poses a severe threat, particularly due to the potential for life-threatening storm surges in low-lying areas like Tampa Bay. DeSantis also cautioned opportunistic criminals, stating that law enforcement is prepared to maintain order and prevent any looting or exploitation of storm victims.
FEMA Prepares for Catastrophic Impact
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is heading to Florida to coordinate the federal response. Criswell emphasized that the agency is fully prepared to assist, with teams already pre-positioned throughout the state, including search and rescue, incident management, and medical facility assessment units. FEMA has stockpiled millions of meals and liters of water in anticipation of widespread devastation, particularly in areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which struck just last week.
Criswell acknowledged that the situation could become overwhelming, saying, “The worst is hours away, and people need to take this storm seriously.” FEMA continues to work closely with Governor DeSantis and other state officials to ensure a coordinated response once the storm passes.
Hurricane Fatigue and Economic Impact
Floridians are expressing feelings of “hurricane fatigue,” as Milton becomes the ninth major hurricane to threaten the state since 2017. After enduring multiple destructive storms over the past few years, many residents are reconsidering their future in the region. “It’s exhausting to deal with this year after year,” said one resident. Others, however, are beginning to accept hurricanes as part of life on the Gulf Coast.
Economists are warning that Hurricane Milton could cause up to $175 billion in damages, especially when factoring in areas that have yet to recover from Hurricane Helene. With the storm expected to strike densely populated regions, the financial toll may surpass initial estimates, particularly if major infrastructure is severely impacted.
A Dangerous Storm With Wide-Reaching Consequences
As Hurricane Milton moves closer to landfall, the urgency to evacuate and prepare has reached its peak. Florida’s Gulf Coast faces one of the most significant storms in recent memory, with the potential to cause catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. State and federal officials continue to stress the importance of evacuation and safety precautions, as the hours leading up to landfall grow shorter.
