As Hurricane Milton looms, Florida officials are urging residents to evacuate immediately ahead of the storm’s expected landfall on Wednesday evening. Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden have both issued urgent pleas for those in affected areas to leave now, emphasizing the perilous nature of the storm.
Despite being downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane, Milton is projected to unleash devastating winds and heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 18 inches of rain and 15 feet of storm surge in the hardest-hit regions. The National Hurricane Center warns that this could be one of the most destructive hurricanes in west-central Florida’s history.
“This is the 11th hour. If you’re in an evacuation zone, the time to get out is now,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister told CNN on Wednesday.
In a late-night appearance on The Late Show, Harris cautioned that even the most resilient Floridians should take the threat seriously, while President Biden highlighted the potential for Milton to be the worst storm to hit the state in over a century. “Evacuate now,” she urged.
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In response to the impending storm, school closures have escalated, with K-12 institutions across 49 of Florida’s 67 counties shutting their doors in anticipation of Milton. This is an increase from 43 counties just a day prior.
The Florida Department of Education is coordinating with school districts to ensure resources are in place for a swift recovery and to address any questions as they arise. The situation remains critical as the state braces for impact.
Hurricane #Milton Advisory 17A: Winds Will Begin to Increase Along the West Coast of Florida By This Afternoon. Preparations, Including Evacuation If Told to Do So, Should Be Rushed to Completion This Morning. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2024
