Hurricane Milton continued its advance on Florida's Peninsula Tuesday as a Category 5 storm with winds of 165 mph. Evacuations have to be completed on Tuesday as shelters across Florida were opening.
"Milton poses a extremely serious threat to Florida," the National Hurricane Center said. Emergency managers say if you are under mandatory evacuation it's a life-or-death situation and you must go.
Devastating impacts are forecast for Florida, including life-threatening storm surge, flooding rain and damaging winds as the storm is forecast to make landfall somewhere on the Gulf Coast, possibly in the Tampa Bay or points south, then sweeping across the state on a mostly northeast track menacing the Orlando area and the beach communities to the northeast.
Here's what to know about Hurricane Milton today:
➤Weather alerts via text:Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location
➤ Live updates for Lee County:Get the latest for the Fort Myers area here.
➤ Live updates for Collier County:Get the latest for the Naples area here.
➤ Live updates for Sarasota County:Get the latest for the Sarasota-Manatee-Bradenton area here.
➤ Live updates for Brevard County:Get the latest for Melbourne and other areas of the Space Coast.
➤ Live updates for Volusia County:Get the latest for the Daytona Beach area here.
➤ Live updates for Marion County: Get the latest for the Ocala area here.
➤ Updates for Lake County:Get the latest for the Leesburg area here.
➤ Live updates for Polk County:Get the latest for the Lakeland area here.
➤ Live updates for Palm Beach County:Get the latest for the West Palm Beach area here.
Category 5 Hurricane Milton winds still at 165 mph, NHC reports
Milton is a Category 5 hurricane and has maintained its wind speeds of 165 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported in its latest advisory.
At 8 p.m., the center of Hurricane Milton was located 440 miles southwest of Tampa.
Milton is moving toward the east-northeast near 10 mph. A northeastward motion with some increase in forward speed is expected tonight through early Thursday. A turn toward the east-northeast and east is expected on Thursday and Friday.
On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and Wednesday, make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida Wednesday night, and move off the east coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.
Reports from Air Force and NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum sustained winds are near 165 mph with higher gusts.
Milton is a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Fluctuations in intensity are likely while Milton moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but Milton is expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the west-central coast of Florida Wednesday night.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.
Waffle House Index: Eatery closes Florida locations ahead of Hurricane Milton
Waffle House has closed several dozen Florida locations in advance of Hurricane Milton impacting the state.
The chain posted the following on X, along with two map pinpointing the closed locations, "Our #whindex status maps reflect our closures as of 2pm today in advance of #HurricaneMilton. More updates to come. Please stay safe. **Due to the potential for variations in Milton's path, this information is subject to change without notice. Please follow local guidance."
Milton again a Category 5 hurricane, winds at 165 mph
Hurricane Milton has roared back to Category 5 strength, according to the National Hurricane Center's latest advisory.
As of 5 p.m., the center of Hurricane Milton was located 480 miles southwest of Tampa.
Milton wobbled earlier today, but the longer-term motion is toward the east-northeast near 9 mph.
A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected to begin tonight and continue through early Thursday.
A turn toward the east-northeast and east is expected on Thursday and Friday.
On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico through Wednesday, make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida Wednesday night, and move off the east coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.
Satellite images indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 165 mph with higher gusts.
Milton is a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Fluctuations in intensity are likely while Milton moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but Milton is expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the west-central coast of Florida Wednesday night.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.
DoorDash suspending operations on Florida Gulf Coast
DoorDash has activated its Severe Weather Protocol and will suspend operations across Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Tampa, Sarasota, and Naples.
Beginning at 10 tonight, DoorDash will suspend operations in the following locations until at least noon Friday, Oct. 11: Naples, West Coast Florida, Tampa and Sarasota.
“This is a potentially catastrophic situation so we’re activating our Severe Weather Protocol to help keep our community in Florida safe,” DoorDash spokesperson Julian Crowley wrote in an email that food and dining journalist Diana Biederman shared.
"Our thoughts are with those impacted, especially as they endure back-to-back hurricanes. We deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of Dashers, merchants and consumers, and will resume operations as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
– Dave Osborn
Disney World Orlando announces closing due to Hurricane Milton
Walt Disney World Theme Parks has announced it will close its parks and Disney Springs in phases, beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Milton's arrival in Florida.
According to the park's 3:30 p.m. website update:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will close at 1:00 p.m.
- Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close at 2:00 p.m.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 9. They are likely to remain closed until Sunday, October 13.
- Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating on Wednesday, October 9 after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close.
- Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be available to Walt Disney World Resort Guests.
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on Wednesday, October 9. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park remains closed for planned refurbishment.
"It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10," a statement on the park's website said. "We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings."
"This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on Thursday, October 10. Event tickets will be refunded."
Satellite view of Hurricane Milton shows multitude of lightning
A satellite view of Hurricane Milton as it churns in the Gulf of Mexico shows a multitude of lightning.
Florida Highway Patrol escorting fuel trucks along evacuation routes
Florida Highway Patrol troopers are escorting fuel trucks along evacuation routes "around the clock" ahead of Hurricane Milton, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles posted on X along with a video on Tuesday afternoon.
"Floridians will see FHP utilizing the right lane on highways to bypass traffic and escort fuel carriers from seaports to gas stations," the post states.
Florida's LEGOLAND closing Wednesday, Thursday over Hurricane Milton
The LEGOLAND theme park in Winter Haven Florida, will be closed Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Milton, the resort announced on its website.
Hotel operations will continue with limited capacity, the website states.
See LEGOLAND's hurricane policy here.
Florida under hurricane, storm surge watches and warnings ahead of Hurricane Milton
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for:
- West coast of Florida from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
- East coast of Florida from Port Canaveral northward to the mouth of the St. Mary's River, including the St. Johns River.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:
- Florida west coast from Bonita Beach northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay
- Florida east coast from the Indian River/St. Lucie County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:
- South of Port Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet
- Mouth of the St. Mary's River to Edisto Beach, South Carolina
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- Dry Tortugas
- Lake Okeechobee
- Florida west coast from Chokoloskee to south of Bonita Beach
- Florida east coast north of Ponte Vedra Beach to the mouth of the St. Mary's River
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- All of the Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay
- Lake Okeechobee
- Florida west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach
- Florida west coast from north of the mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass
- Florida east coast south of the Indian River/St. Lucie County Line to Flamingo
- Florida east coast north of Ponte Vedra Beach to the mouth of the St. Mary's River
Video shows Hurricane Hunters aircraft take 'bumpy ride' into Milton
NOAA's Hurricane Hunters aircraft was in for a bumpy ride Tuesday, as the plane flew into Hurricane Milton to collect data on the storm, the NOAA Operations Center posted on X.
"Bumpy ride into Hurricane #Milton on @NOAA WP-3D Orion #NOAA43 "Miss Piggy" to collect data to help improve the forecast and support hurricane research," the post reads.
Universal Orlando closing due to Hurricane Milton
Universal Orland announced on its website it will close its resort at 2 p.m. Wednesday and remain closed through Thursday ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall along Florida's west coast sometime Wednesday night or early Thursday.
- Universal Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- Hotels remain operational
Milton still a Category 4 hurricane, winds at 155 mph
Hurricane Milton is a Category 4 hurricane, packing wind speeds of 155 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported in its 2 p.m. advisory.
Milton is located 520 miles southwest of Tampa.
Although Milton has been wobbling during the past few hours, its longer-term motion is toward the east-northeast near 8 mph.
A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected to begin later today and continue through Thursday.
On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west-central coast of Florida through Wednesday.
The center is likely to make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night, and move east-northeastward across central Florida through Thursday.
While fluctuations in intensity are expected, Milton is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through landfall in Florida.
Comcast opens free Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots, waives fees in Florida ahead of Milton
Comcast is opening 261,000 Xfinity free Wi-Fi hotspots across Florida, beginning today, the company announced in an email.
To find the nearest hotspot, visit the Wi-Fi hotspot map and enter your zip code. You don't have to be an Xfinity customer to use a hotspot.
The company also said it is waiving charges for its "by the gig" customers through Oct. 16.
Mandatory evacuation order issued for St. Johns County
A mandatory evacuation order has been issued in St. Johns County for all residents and visitors in Evacuation zones A, B and F effective at 8 a.m. Wednesday, the county announced on its website.
According to the county website, the order includes the entire City of St. Augustine, the City of St. Augustine Beach, and residents living on waterfront properties or in flood-prone areas. Residents living in boats, RVs, mobile homes, and low-lying flood-prone areas are also required to evacuate.
Residents in these evacuation zones who do not intend to utilize a St. Johns County storm shelter should leave as soon as possible to avoid unexpected traffic delays.
Storm Shelters Opening
Three storm shelters will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, to accommodate evacuees:
- Special Medical Needs:Freedom Crossing Academy, 1365 Shetland Drive, St. Johns
- Pet Friendly:South Woods Elementary School, 4750 State Road 206 West, Elkton
- General Population:Pedro Menendez High School, 600 State Road 206 West, St. Augustine
Residents who require transportation to a storm shelter should call the Emergency Management Citizen Information Hotline at 904-824-5550. Transportation will be provided for those in need.
When will Hurricane Milton make landfall?
According to the latest NHC forecast, the track guidance is honed in on a landfall along the west-central coast of Florida sometime Wednesday night.
However, it is critical to remember that even at 36-48 hours away, NHC's track forecasts can be off by an average of 60-70 nautical miles, which means we still can't pinpoint an exact landfall location, especially if the hurricane wobbles as it approaches the coast.
After landfall, Milton is forecast to cross Florida and emerge over the Atlantic waters on Thursday.
Florida hurricane assistance information phone line open
The State Assistance Information Line is now open and accepting calls 24/7 with English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole speakers available at 1-800-342-3557, according to an update from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Video shows view of Hurricane Milton from NASA space capsule
NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Commender Matthew Dominick shared a timelapse video on X shot from a window of the Crew Dragon Endeavor space capsule flying over Hurricane Milton Tuesday morning.
Dominick launched to the International Space Station March 3, 2024 as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission.
FDOT to lock drawbridges in South Florida counties
The Florida Department of Transportation will be locking down state drawbridges in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties, according to a post on X by CBS12 News reporter Jim Grimes.
Tolls suspended in west, central Florida
Tolls have been suspended in west and central Florida, FDOT posted on X Tuesday morning.
"There is still time to safely evacuate, but the window is narrowing. To further facilitate evacuations as #HurricaneMilton approaches FL, tolls in west & central florida as well as Alligator Alley and 595 Express have been suspended. ESU is also still in place along Eastbound I-4 and portions of Northbound I-75. FL does not use Contraflow as it prevents necessary supplies and resources from going into the impact zone. Traffic on these major corridors continues at a steady pace to get people out. As you evacuate, please continue to exercise caution and check http://FL511.com for real-time traffic info," the post reads.
Farm Share to deliver food, supplies to Florida after Hurricane Milton
Farm Share has been working around the clock preparing humanitarian supplies to be delivered directly to Floridians after Hurricane Milton makes landfall, according to a news release from the non-profit organization.
On Tuesday, October 8th, eight massive semi-trucks are being loaded from Farm Share locations, including its headquarters in Homestead destined for the anticipated impacted regions of Florida. They will depart today as prepositioned aid in strategic areas of the state, the release states.
According to Farm Aid, the organization has mobilized and distributedover two million pounds of aid across Florida since Hurricane Helene made landfall.
JAXPORT closing ahead of Hurricane Milton
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) announced on its website it will close Jacksonville's seaport system ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Port closure and reopening information:
- Inbound cargo traffic to JAXPORT’s main gates will stop at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, and the port will close fully shortly after.
- JAXPORT will be closed on Thursday, October 10.
- The port plans to reopen the Main Gates Friday morning, pending the successful completion of facility assessments.
Additionally, the return of the Carnival Elation which left JAXPORT Oct. 5 could be delayed.
Guests scheduled to depart JAXPORT on October 10 can sign up for text alerts from Carnival by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473). Updates from Carnival areavailable here.
NHC: Milton could be one of most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida
Milton's wind field is expected to expand as it approaches Florida. In fact, the official forecast shows the hurricane and tropical-storm-force winds roughly doubling in size by the time it makes landfall. Therefore, damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall will extend well outside the forecast cone, the NHC 11 a.m. forecast reads.
It is worth emphasizing that this is a very serious situation and residents in Florida should closely follow orders from their local emergency management officials. Evacuations and other preparations should be completed today. Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.
- Damaging hurricane-force winds and a life-threatening storm surge with destructive waves are expected across portions of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula today.
- A large area of destructive storm surge, with highest inundations of 10 ft or greater, is expected along a portion of the west-central coast of the Florida Peninsula. If you are in the Storm Surge Warning area, this is an extremely life-threatening situation, and you should evacuate today if ordered by local officials. There will likely not be enough time to wait to leave on Wednesday.
- Devastating hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of the west coast of Florida, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Milton is forecast to remain a hurricane as it crosses the Florida Peninsula and life-threatening hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, are expected to spread inland across the peninsula. Preparations to protect life and property, and to be ready for long-duration power outages, should be complete by tonight.
- Heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday brings the risk of life-threatening flash and urban flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood threat.
Where is Hurricane Milton now?
Hurricane Milton is 520 miles southwest of Tampa, the National Hurricane Center reported in its 11 a.m. advisory.
Milton is a Category 4 hurricane, with 150-mph winds, and moving east-northeast at 9 mph.
Milton is forecast to retain major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) status and expand in size as it approaches the west coast of Florida.
A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected to begin later today and continue through Thursday.
A storm surge warning has been extended southward along the east coast of Florida to Port Canaveral.
A storm surge warning is in effect for:
- West coast of Florida from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
- East coast of Florida from Port Canaveral northward to the mouth of the St. Mary's River, including the St. Johns River.
On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west-central coast of Florida through Wednesday.
The center is likely to make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night, and move east-northeastward across central Florida through Thursday.
Is Publix open? Stores in Florida modify hours due to Hurricane Milton
Nearly 500 Florida Publix stores in Hurricane Milton's path have adjusted their hours.
Check the grocery chain's map for your store's opening and closing times here.
Tampa airport TPA closed ahead of Hurricane Milton
Tampa International Airport closed Tuesday morning in advance of Hurricane Milton's arrival in Florida.
"TPA, including the Main Terminal and Airsides, will not be open for public use and is not equipped to function as a shelter for people or vehicles. The Airport is in an “A” evacuation zone and will not be staffed to assist others with supplies or assistance, nor will emergency services be able to respond to calls or transport individuals to or from the Airport," a statement on the airport's website reads.
"For the same reason, parking garages will also be closed to the public during the suspension of operations, and people are asked not to bring vehicles to the Airport for parking."
The airport anticipates reopening after "a damage assessment that will begin as soon as it is safe to do so."
Contact your airline for the latest flight information.
Storm surge from Hurricane Milton could be 15 feet in areas of Florida
According to the National Hurricane Center, the water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide:
- Anclote River, FL to Englewood, FL...10-15 ft
- Tampa Bay...10-15 ft
- Englewood, FL to Bonita Beach, FL...6-10 ft
- Charlotte Harbor...6-10 ft
- Yankeetown, FL to Anclote River, FL...5-10 ft
- Bonita Beach, FL to Chokoloskee, FL...4-7 ft
- Suwannee River, FL to Yankeetown, FL...3-5 ft
- Chokoloskee, FL to Flamingo, FL...3-5 ft
- Flagler/Volusia County Line, FL to Altamaha Sound, GA...3-5 ft
- Sebastian Inlet, FL to Flagler/Volusia County Line, FL...2-4 ft
- Altamaha Sound, GA to Edisto Beach, SC...2-4 ft
- Dry Tortugas...2-4 ft
- St. Johns River...2-4 ft
Storm surge, hurricane watches, warnings in effect for Florida
The following watches and warning are in effect in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton's arrival:
Storm surge warning:
- West coast of Florida from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
- East coast of Florida from Port Canaveral northward to the mouth of the St. Mary's River, including the St. Johns River.
Hurricane warning:
- Florida west coast from Bonita Beach northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay
- Florida east coast from the Indian River/St. Lucie County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach
Storm surge watch:
- Sebastian Inlet to the Volusia/Brevard County Line
- Mouth of the St. Mary's River to Edisto Beach
Hurricane watch:
- Dry Tortugas
- Lake Okeechobee
- Florida west coast from Chokoloskee to south of Bonita Beach
Tropical storm warning:
- All of the Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay
- Lake Okeechobee
- Florida west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach
- Florida west coast from north of the mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass
- Florida east coast south of the Indian River/St. Lucie County Line to Flamingo
- Florida east coast north of Ponte Vedra Beach to the mouth of the St. Mary's River
Free Uber rides to and from shelters for Hurricane Milton
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to and from shelters in counties evacuating from Hurricane Milton.
To get a free ride:
- Go to the Uber app
- Tap Account on the bottom right and tap Wallet
- Add promo code MILTONRELIEF
Florida shelters open in advance of Hurricane Milton
Shelters are open in areas at risk of impact from Hurricane Milton, including those that can accommodate special needs and pets.
Find open shelters here.
For specific shelter information, contact your county emergency management.
Evacuation assistance for Hurricane Milton
A shuttle system is in place today for those in a county with an evacuation order in place, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Click here to see if your county is under evacuation orders.
For evacuation assistance call 800-729-3413 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hurricane charter bus schedule for Tuesday, Oct. 8:
Pinellas County
- Bus #1: St Pete Beach, Maderia Beach, Indian Rocks Beach)
- A- St Pete Beach Community Center (7701 Boca Ciega Dr, St PeteBeach, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Winn-Dixie (15200 Municipal Dr, Maderia Beach, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- C- Church of the Isles- Parking Lot (200 24th Ave N, Indian Rocks Beach, FL) 11:00-12:30pm
- Bus #2: Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Beach Island
- A- Clearwater Beach Parking Lot (180 S Gulfview BLVD, Clearwater, FL)07:00-09:30am
- B- Clearwater Publix Super Market (200 Island Way, Clearwater, FL)09:30-11:00am
- Bus #3: North Pinellas County
- A- Winn-Dixie (1171 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Publix (902 Curley Rd, Dunedin, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- Bus #4: Central Pinellas County
- A- Publix (619 S Ft Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Publix (13031 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- Bus #5: Southern Pinellas County
- A- Publix (5577 Park St, St Petersburg, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Walmart (3501 34th St S, St Petersburg, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Pasco County
- Bus #7: West Pasco County
- A- Winn-Dixie (14134 US-19, Hudson, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Walmart (8701 US-19, Port Richey, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- C- Walmart (1485 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL) 11:00-12:30pm
- Bus #8: Central Pasco County
- A- Publix (7830 Land O’Lakes BLVD, Land O’ Lakes, FL)07:00-09:30am
- B- Publix (2121 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- Bus #9: East Pasco County
- A- Walmart (12650 US-301, Dade City, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Winn-Dixie (36348 State Rd 54, Zephyrhills, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Hillsborough County
- Bus #10: Northwest Hillsborough/Tampa
- A- Winn-Dixie (13016 Race Track Road, Tampa, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- ALDI (10419 Sheldon Road, Tampa, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- Bus #11: City of Tampa
- A- Publix (2724 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Publix (2401 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- C- Publix (4315 W Gandy BLVD, Tampa, FL) 11:00-12:30pm
- Bus #12: City of Tampa
- A- Publix (6001 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Publix (1105 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- Bus #13: City of Tampa
- A- Publix (11502 N 53rd St, Temple Terrace, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Publix (5450 E Busch BLVD, Temple Terrace, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- Bus #14: South-Central Hillsborough County
- A- Winn-Dixie (6929 US-301, Riverview, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Publix (13154 US-301, Riverview, FL) 09:30-11:00am
- C- Winn-Dixie (1023 S Tamiami Trail, Ruskin, FL) 11:00-12:30pm
- Bus #15: Eastern Hillsborough County
- A- Publix (2515 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL) 07:00-09:30am
- B- Winn-Dixie (205 W Alexander St, Plant City, FL) 09:30-11:00am
Florida counties under evacuation orders
The following counties are under mandatory evacuation orders.
➤ Know your zone:How to find your Florida evacuation zone by address.
Charlotte County:(Oct. 7, 2024)- Charlotte County Emergency Management has issued evacuation orders for residents in Red Zone-A and Orange Zone-B. The evacuation also includes residents in any zone living in mobile and manufactured homes.
Citrus County:Mandatory Evacuation starting at 8 AM Tuesday, October 8, for anyone in Citrus County residing in campers, tents, mobile homes, manufactured homes, or any structure not capable of withstanding sustained winds of up to 110MPH.
Collier County:Collier declares mandatory evacs in zones A, B effective 6 a.m. Tuesday
Desoto County: DeSoto County is ordering evacuations of Zones A (Red) and B (Orange), to include all residents living in mobile and manufactured homes, and those living in low-lying or flood prone areas.
Hernando County: Mandatory evacuation orders have been announced to start at 8am on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Mandatory Evacuations have been issued for all areas west of US 19, which includes evacuation zones A, B, and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county wide, are included.
Hillsborough County: Hillsborough County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zones A and B, and for all mobile homes and manufactured housing throughout the County starting at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
Lee County: Those living in evacuation Zones A and B should finalize their hurricane safety plans and evacuate as soon as possible. Severe weather is expected to move into our area overnight on Tuesday. Remember, evacuations do not need to be hundreds of miles away. We encourage you to stay with a friend or family member in a non-evacuated zone. Emergency shelters are also opening for those without a safe place to ride out the storm.
Levy County: A mandatory evacuation is in effect for Levy county for the following. All mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicle parks, coastal communities, low lying areas to include everything west of US 19 for all of Levy county. Hurricane RISK Shelters have been opened at the following locations. Bronson Elementary for Special Needs. Bronson Middle High School, General Population / Pet Friendly. For more information go to www.levydisaster.com or call the Citizen Information Line at 352-486-5576 or 352-486-5155
Manatee County: Evacuations of all persons in Level A, B, and C—and all residents or visitors in RVs or Mobile Homes—ahead of Hurricane Milton beginning at 2 p.m., Monday October 7.
Marion County: Due to the current projected path of Hurricane Milton, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for those living in mobile homes, RVs, modular-type homes, and site-built homes constructed before 1994 within Marion County.
Pasco County: Mandatory evacuations will go into effect Monday, October 7, at 10:00 a.m. for the following: Evacuation Zones A and B Everyone living in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV anywhere in Pasco Everyone in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding Everyone in an area ordered evacuated by local authorities due to life-safety hazards Voluntary evacuations will go into effect Monday, October 7, at 10:00 a.m. for the following: Evacuation Zone C Everyone registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident Everyone who would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss
Pinellas County: Mandatory evacuation is ordered for all Residential Healthcare Facilities within Evacuation Zones A, B, and C. The evacuation is to commence at 1 :30 p.m. on October 6, 2024.
Sarasota County: (As of 10:36 a.m. Oct. 8): Sarasota County has extended its evacuation order to Level C. Anyone in Levels A, B, C, plus manufactured communities or a mobile or boat home.
St. Johns County: I. Effective at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, all persons living i. Licensed facilities, as defined by Florida Statutes 395.002(17) ii. Assisted living facilities, as defined by Florida Statute 429.02(5), iii. Nursing home facilities, as defined by Florida Statute 400.021(12) iv. Ambulatory Surgery Centers, as defined by Florida Statute 395.002(3) in the following portions and elements of St. Johns County, Florida shall evacuate: a. All of Evacuation Zone A; b. All of Evacuation Zone B; c. Parts of Evacuation Zone F, South of State Road 206; II. Effective at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, all persons living in assisted living facilities in the following portions and elements of St. Johns County, Florida shall evacuate: a. All of Evacuation Zone A; b. All of Evacuation Zone B; c. Parts of Evacuation Zone F, South of State Road 206; d. All persons living in or on a boat, mobile home, recreational vehicle, camper or other similar conveyance.
Volusia County: Volusia County has enacted an evacuation order for Hurricane Milton beginning 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, for the following: all areas east of the intracoastal waterway; all manufactured and mobile homes; all low-lying areas and other areas prone to flooding; all campsites and RV recreational parks
How to report power outages in Florida
Power outages will start happening likely even before Hurricane Milton makes landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday. You can bookmark this link with phone numbers and other information before the lights go out.
What is Disney World's hurricane policy? Can I get a refund?
According toits website, Walt Disney World Resort will make exceptions to its standard policy and issue refunds in the event of a hurricane if the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for the Orlando area or a visitor’s place of residence within seven days of their “scheduled arrival date,"if tickets and reservations were booked directly through Disney. Dates can be modified as well.
You will have to reach out to any third-party suppliers you booked with.
— Samantha Neely and Jennifer Sangalang
Uber offering free shelter rides as part of a Hurricane Milton state program
Anyone needing to get to a state-approved shelter ahead ofHurricane Miltoncan take an Uber for free, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
The service is available in the 54 Florida counties undera state of emergencyand is subject to driver availability. As of Tuesday morning, some users were receiving "Promotion redemption limit exceeded."
To get a ride:
- Open the Uber app
- Tap Account on the bottom right and tap Wallet
- Add promo code MILTONRELIEF
You can find a list of state-approved shelters atFloridaDisaster.org/Shelter-Status.
— C. A. Bridges
What is the weather forecast in my city? Florida city-by-city Hurricane Milton forecasts
Hurricane Milton will certainly be devastating for some places and just really bad for some others in the path. Landfall of Milton is expected overnight Wednesday into Thursday, but weather effects will come much sooner as the storm gets larger.
Here is the weather forecast for several cities around Florida, along with National Weather Service radar, so you can check on local conditions and know what to expect in your area.
Gov. Ron DeSantis Hurricane Milton update
Gov. Ron DeSantis and members of Florida emergency management will provide an update on Hurricane Milton at 7:45 a.m. today. The update is here:
Are Florida cruises affected by Hurricane Milton?
Port Canaveralwas open Monday but five cruise ships left the port on the Space Coast of Florida (home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, about an hour away from Orlando theme parks), and several were scheduled to return to port later this week after the expected hurricane conditions move through on Thursday.
— Jennifer Sangalang
When is Hurricane Milton going to hit Florida?
The current forecast and hurricane tracker shows Hurricane Milton making landfall near Tampa Bay at 1 a.m. Thursday as a Category 3 tropical cyclone with storm winds topping 120 mph. The storm is expected to then cross the Florida Peninsula in the hours after and exit into the Atlantic Ocean somewhere possibly on the Space Coast.
These tracks change with changing forecasts, but you can keep up here.
Hurricane tracker:
Is there school today in Florida?
The answer on whether Hurricane Milton has canceled school depends on the school district you are in. As of Tuesday morning, more than two dozen Florida school districts were closed today and beyond. The Florida Department of Education has a list here, and public colleges and universities are included.
Disney World Hurricane Milton status
Disney World said late Monday that it was operating under normal conditions, but there are some alterations to hours and openings to some resorts coming to Disney. What we know:
On it's website, Disney World has this statement: "We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm, and the safety of our Guests and Cast Members remains our top priority. Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions and will continue to be on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Looking ahead, we are making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments."
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and recreation locations), the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11 AM on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are likely to remain closed until Sunday, Oct. 13.
- The Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will likely reopen on Friday, Oct. 11.
Where is Hurricane Milton going and how strong could it get?
- As of 5 a.m. EDT:155 mph
- 12 hours:160 mph
- 24 hours:155 mph
- 36 hours:145 mph (possibly close to time of landfall Wednesday night)
- 48 hours:125 mph (near the Atlantic coast)
- 60 hours:80 mph
- 72 hours:70 mph
- 96 hours:50 mph
- 120 hours:40 mph
State of emergency in Florida meaning
A storm slams into the state. There is a massive run on gasoline. A pandemic drives death tolls higher. Some natural disaster strikes and threatens Floridians andthen the announcement comes: "Governor declares State of Emergency in Florida."
According to Florida Law, “A state of emergency shall be declared by executive order or proclamation of the Governor if she or he finds an emergency has occurred or that the occurrence or the threat thereof is imminent."
— C. A. Bridges
Current evacuation zones in Florida. Know your flood zone
TheFlorida Division of Emergency Managementhas a website to determine whether you live in an evacuation zone and what zone it is.
Go to thewebsiteand enter your address. If your home is in one of the colored areas, those are flood zones where you may be asked to evacuate by local officials.
Typically, Zone A is the most vulnerable and the most likely to be asked to evacuate first. Zone F is most likely to evacuate last.
In an evacuation zone? Here are Florida traffic maps and cameras.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says there’s still much uncertainty about Hurricane Milton, but the state is preparing toopen highway shoulders for mass evacuationsto come.
Individual counties makeevacuation calls. “Once those orders come down from all the counties, I think it’s going to be a significant number of people,” DeSantis said.
The Florida Department of Transportation is monitoring traffic, and as soon as travel speeds are down to 40 mph, the state will begin to open shoulders for travel to relieve congestion, according to state Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue.
— Cheryl McCloud
Which counties in Florida are in a state of emergency?
Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 54 Florida counties ahead ofHurricane Milton, which could bring Category 3 winds and flooding to already-heavily damaged Gulf Coast communities and beyond. The Florida counties included in the emergency declaration extend across the peninsula. They are:
Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie Sumter, Suwanee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia.
Hurricane Milton's eye shown in satellite images
Hurricane Milton is shown in this National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency video from the GOES-East satellite.
Is there school today in Florida? Districts closed ahead of Hurricane Milton
More than a dozen school districts across Florida have announced they'll be closing ahead of and on the days Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida.
Nine schools were closed Monday and more have plans to be closed through Thursday. Here's a list of Florida schools closed today from the state.
Storm radar Florida
Latest spaghetti models for Hurricane Milton
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(This story has updated to add new information, to add photos or video and because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
