Hurricane Milton Kills at Least 12 as Millions Remain Without Power in Florida: Full Recap

Mar. 15, 2025

David Decker/Shutterstock

What You Need to Know

Hurricane Miltonmade landfall in the U.S. on the western coast of Floridaon Wednesday, Oct. 9, after passing through the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center projected that Milton would bring “life-threatening” hazards to the western coast up and down central and southern Florida, centered on the Tampa Bay area.

The regionis still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in northern Florida’s Big Bend region late on Sept. 26, before carving a path of destruction through the Southeast and killing more than 200 people.

Keep reading for a recap of what happened as the storm approached Florida — as well as the scope of the devastation within the first 24 hours.

At Least 12 Fatalities Reported, Mostly in St. Lucie CountyOctober 10, 2024 06:32 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAt least 12 people have reportedly died in Florida since Hurricane Milton’s arrival as of Thursday afternoon, Oct. 10, according toNBC NewsandThe Washington Post.According to NBC’s count, there were two fatalities in Pinellas County; three in Volusia County; six in St. Lucie County; and one in Citrus County.The City of Tampa, which is situated in Hillsborough County, also reported the death of a woman in her 70s, possibly related to Milton restoration efforts.According to the city, Tampa police were responding to a report of a collapsed large tree branch when they found the woman underneath it. She was pronounced dead at the scene and authorities believe the death was accidental.As of just after 3:00 p.m. local time, the number of Florida residents without power hasslightly decreasedto over 2.9 million.

At Least 12 Fatalities Reported, Mostly in St. Lucie County

October 10, 2024 06:32 PM EDT

At least 12 people have reportedly died in Florida since Hurricane Milton’s arrival as of Thursday afternoon, Oct. 10, according toNBC NewsandThe Washington Post.

According to NBC’s count, there were two fatalities in Pinellas County; three in Volusia County; six in St. Lucie County; and one in Citrus County.

The City of Tampa, which is situated in Hillsborough County, also reported the death of a woman in her 70s, possibly related to Milton restoration efforts.According to the city, Tampa police were responding to a report of a collapsed large tree branch when they found the woman underneath it. She was pronounced dead at the scene and authorities believe the death was accidental.

As of just after 3:00 p.m. local time, the number of Florida residents without power hasslightly decreasedto over 2.9 million.

Milton Death Toll Climbs to At Least 10

October 10, 2024 02:55 PM EDT

At Least 5 Dead, Millions Remain Without PowerOctober 10, 2024 02:38 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostIn an update on Thursday, Oct. 10, Gov. Ron DeSantis saidat least five people were killed, and that all of those confirmed deaths occurred in St. Lucie County, where multiple tornados struck before Milton made landfall.Sheriff Keith Pearson previously told CNN that “well over 100 homes” were also damaged.“I’m not just talking about a broken window or a couple of shingles – I’m talking about total loss houses,” Pearson said.Additionally, more than 3.2 million people remain without power in the state, according toPowerOutage.us.

At Least 5 Dead, Millions Remain Without Power

October 10, 2024 02:38 PM EDT

In an update on Thursday, Oct. 10, Gov. Ron DeSantis saidat least five people were killed, and that all of those confirmed deaths occurred in St. Lucie County, where multiple tornados struck before Milton made landfall.

Sheriff Keith Pearson previously told CNN that “well over 100 homes” were also damaged.

“I’m not just talking about a broken window or a couple of shingles – I’m talking about total loss houses,” Pearson said.

Additionally, more than 3.2 million people remain without power in the state, according toPowerOutage.us.

October 10, 2024 11:27 AM EDT

The center of the storm has now moved off of Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean, according to an update from the National Hurricane Center on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Milton also weakened after it made landfall, as is typical, but continued to bring serious weather conditions to the eastern coast of Florida.

Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis Says Dozens Rescued from Hurricane Milton, No Deaths Confirmed Yet

October 10, 2024 09:19 AM EDT

“I know there have been reports. We have not confirmed any. That does not mean there has not been any,” he said. “… I know with the tornadoes, it seems very likely that there were some with the tornadoes, that’s the only reports we’ve received…”

He also said there were currently 3.1 million accounts without power across Florida, and 635,000 power restorations have been made so far. Areas with “significant outages” currently include Hillsborough and Sarasota Counties with 75% outages and out Manatee County with 82% outages.

Approximately 80,000 people also entered shelters in Florida due to the storm, per DeSantis. He also said that more than 300 state crews are active in the field and inspecting bridges and other infrastructure. The Tampa airport also had “minimal damage” and is scheduled to reopen tomorrow.

“The storm was significant but thankfully this was not the worst case scenario,” DeSantis said. “The storm did weaken before landfall, and the storm surge as initially reported has not been not as significant overall [compared to] what was observed for Hurricane Helene.”

He added, “We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses.”

Hurricane Milton Has Been Downgraded to Category 1 StormOctober 10, 2024 07:55 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostHurricane Milton has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm after making landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida’s west coast, theNational Weather Servicesaid. It said the storm is currently “moving toward the northeast near 18 mph.”The NWS also noted in its latest update that Hurricane Milton’s maximum sustained winds are currently 85 mph with higher gusts, and is forecasted to weaken and become “a powerful extratropical low tonight.”

Hurricane Milton Has Been Downgraded to Category 1 Storm

October 10, 2024 07:55 AM EDT

Hurricane Milton has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm after making landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida’s west coast, theNational Weather Servicesaid. It said the storm is currently “moving toward the northeast near 18 mph.”

The NWS also noted in its latest update that Hurricane Milton’s maximum sustained winds are currently 85 mph with higher gusts, and is forecasted to weaken and become “a powerful extratropical low tonight.”

Fort Myers Mayor Says Storm Surge Is ‘Much Less Than I Expected’October 10, 2024 07:49 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostFort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson shared in an update withMSNBCthat the storm surge in the area had been “much less than I expected.”“I had been warning people this was going to be a seriously strong storm with a lot of storm surge,” he said. “We probably got the same amount of water in our downtown area that we got during [Hurricane] Helene.”He added that they are “looking at a little over 18,000 people being without power” and that he has not yet “heard of any serious injuries or loss of life” from the storm impacts in the Fort Myers area.

Fort Myers Mayor Says Storm Surge Is ‘Much Less Than I Expected’

October 10, 2024 07:49 AM EDT

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson shared in an update withMSNBCthat the storm surge in the area had been “much less than I expected.”

“I had been warning people this was going to be a seriously strong storm with a lot of storm surge,” he said. “We probably got the same amount of water in our downtown area that we got during [Hurricane] Helene.”

He added that they are “looking at a little over 18,000 people being without power” and that he has not yet “heard of any serious injuries or loss of life” from the storm impacts in the Fort Myers area.

Tampa City Mayor Warns that Storm Impacts Are ‘Not Over’October 10, 2024 07:39 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostIn a Thursday morning briefing, Mayor Jane Castor said that there is still a danger of flooding in Tampa, according toCNN.“It’s not over,” Castor said. “At 7:00 this morning when high tide comes in, rivers are going to flood all over Hillsborough County, not just in the city of Tampa.In a separate update onMSNBC, she said that the “tentative” storm surge they are predicting to see “is at or below [Hurricane] Helene,” which was at about “4-6 ft.”“… The predictions were 12-15 ft. if that storm had gone up to the northern side of the Tampa Bay,” Castor told the outlet. “We’ll have storm surge damage but nothing like it could have been. It could have been catastrophic for Tampa Bay.”

Tampa City Mayor Warns that Storm Impacts Are ‘Not Over’

October 10, 2024 07:39 AM EDT

In a Thursday morning briefing, Mayor Jane Castor said that there is still a danger of flooding in Tampa, according toCNN.

“It’s not over,” Castor said. “At 7:00 this morning when high tide comes in, rivers are going to flood all over Hillsborough County, not just in the city of Tampa.

In a separate update onMSNBC, she said that the “tentative” storm surge they are predicting to see “is at or below [Hurricane] Helene,” which was at about “4-6 ft.”

“… The predictions were 12-15 ft. if that storm had gone up to the northern side of the Tampa Bay,” Castor told the outlet. “We’ll have storm surge damage but nothing like it could have been. It could have been catastrophic for Tampa Bay.”

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings Lifted from Florida’s West Coast, NWS Says

October 10, 2024 07:07 AM EDT

However, the NWS noted that the storm — which has downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane — is still “producing damaging hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall in east-central Florida.”

A storm surge warning is still in place for the Florida west coast and a hurricane and warning is in place for Florida’s east coast from the St. Lucie county lane up to Ponte Vendra Beach and a tropical storm warning is in place from north of Ponte Vendra Beach to Edisto Beach in South Carolina.

The NWS noted in its update that Hurricane Milton’s maximum sustained winds are currently 85 mph, and the eye of Hurricane Milton is projected to move away from Florida into the north Bahamas today.

‘Multiple Fatalities’ Reported at Senior Community in St. Lucie County

October 10, 2024 05:43 AM EDT

The outlet quoted Sheriff Keith Pearson as stating that authorities in the neighborhood are now “listening for life,” as they visit residences.

Police Using Amphibious Vehicles to Save Residents Inside Flooding Hotel

October 10, 2024 05:17 AM EDT

First responders are currently dealing with multiple life-threatening incidents across Florida.

Police in Hillsborough County are using amphibious vehicles to reach residents trapped inside a Holiday Inn near Plant City, where water is flowing in through the bottom floor, according toCNN.

“We don’t know how many people are staying at the hotel. We just know we have to go rescue them,” Sheriff Chad Chronister told the outlet about the rescue.

Over 3 Million Florida Homes Missing PowerOctober 10, 2024 04:52 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostPoweroutage.usis reporting that more than 3 million homes and businesses across Florida are currently without power.The areas around Tampa Bay have been most heavily hit, with 97% of customers in Hardee County and 85% of Manatee County currently missing power, and 77% in Hillsborough County.Power outages are also being recorded across the state as Milton makes its way east, with 63% of customers in Flagler County to the south of St. Augustine also reporting a lack of power, per poweroutage.us

Over 3 Million Florida Homes Missing Power

October 10, 2024 04:52 AM EDT

Poweroutage.usis reporting that more than 3 million homes and businesses across Florida are currently without power.

The areas around Tampa Bay have been most heavily hit, with 97% of customers in Hardee County and 85% of Manatee County currently missing power, and 77% in Hillsborough County.

Power outages are also being recorded across the state as Milton makes its way east, with 63% of customers in Flagler County to the south of St. Augustine also reporting a lack of power, per poweroutage.us

Roof of Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Ripped to Shreds

October 10, 2024 04:40 AM EDT

Several panels on the roof of Tropicana Field came loose in the early hours of Thursday, Oct.10 as Hurricane Milton hit the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ahead of Milton’s arrival, Tropicana Field was transformed into a shelter for first responders perWESH 2. On Thursday, the Rays confirmed to theAssociated Pressthat nobody was staying at the stadium overnight and that all of the stadium’s personnel were safe.

Flash Flood Emergency Alerts Issued for Tampa and West-Central FloridaOctober 10, 2024 12:38 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe National Hurricane Centerissued a flash flood emergency alertat 10 p.m. ET Wednesday night as Milton’s position moved inland.Sustained winds of 86 mph and gusts of 105 mph were reported at a WeatherFlow station at Egmont Channel.The flash flood emergency continued through midnight into Thursday for portions of west-central Florida, including Tampa.As of 1:00 a.m. ET Thursday, damaging winds from Milton are now reaching Florida’s east coast.Over 2 million Florida residents are without power, according toPowerOutages.us. Outages are expected to grow as Milton moves across Central Florida, notesCNN.

Flash Flood Emergency Alerts Issued for Tampa and West-Central Florida

October 10, 2024 12:38 AM EDT

The National Hurricane Centerissued a flash flood emergency alertat 10 p.m. ET Wednesday night as Milton’s position moved inland.

Sustained winds of 86 mph and gusts of 105 mph were reported at a WeatherFlow station at Egmont Channel.

The flash flood emergency continued through midnight into Thursday for portions of west-central Florida, including Tampa.

As of 1:00 a.m. ET Thursday, damaging winds from Milton are now reaching Florida’s east coast.

Over 2 million Florida residents are without power, according toPowerOutages.us. Outages are expected to grow as Milton moves across Central Florida, notesCNN.

Milton Makes Landfall in FloridaOctober 09, 2024 08:40 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostHurricane Miltonmade landfallnear Siesta Key, Fla at8:30 p.m. ET Thursday night, reports theNational Hurricane Center.The NHC warned of a “life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding occurring over the central Florida peninsula.”

Milton Makes Landfall in Florida

October 09, 2024 08:40 PM EDT

Hurricane Miltonmade landfallnear Siesta Key, Fla at8:30 p.m. ET Thursday night, reports theNational Hurricane Center.

The NHC warned of a “life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding occurring over the central Florida peninsula.”

Milton Is Now a Category 3 StormOctober 09, 2024 05:18 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAs of 5 p.m. EST, Milton isnow a category 3 hurricane, although the National Hurricane Center warns that it could still be a major hurricane when it makes landfall, which is predicted to take place tonight.The center of the storm is expected to hit “near or just south of the Tampa Bay region” before moving across " the central part of the Florida peninsulaovernight, and emerge off the east coast of Florida on Thursday."

Milton Is Now a Category 3 Storm

October 09, 2024 05:18 PM EDT

As of 5 p.m. EST, Milton isnow a category 3 hurricane, although the National Hurricane Center warns that it could still be a major hurricane when it makes landfall, which is predicted to take place tonight.

The center of the storm is expected to hit “near or just south of the Tampa Bay region” before moving across " the central part of the Florida peninsulaovernight, and emerge off the east coast of Florida on Thursday."

Time to ‘Shelter-in-Place’October 09, 2024 03:14 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAlthough still hours away from landfall, Floridians in the path of Milton are already beginning to experience heavy rain and strong winds — and the National Weather Service said it’s “time to shelter-in-place.““Tropical-storm force winds, flooding rains, and tornadoes are spreading inland across FL,” they wrote in an update. “Unless a life-threatening situation arises, stay indoors and follow updates.“In their latest update, the National Hurricane Center said Milton is predicted to make landfall along thewest-central coast of Florida.

Time to ‘Shelter-in-Place’

October 09, 2024 03:14 PM EDT

Although still hours away from landfall, Floridians in the path of Milton are already beginning to experience heavy rain and strong winds — and the National Weather Service said it’s “time to shelter-in-place.”

“Tropical-storm force winds, flooding rains, and tornadoes are spreading inland across FL,” they wrote in an update. “Unless a life-threatening situation arises, stay indoors and follow updates.”

In their latest update, the National Hurricane Center said Milton is predicted to make landfall along thewest-central coast of Florida.

October 09, 2024 12:39 PM EDT

Early on Wednesday, Oct. 9, an evacuation alert went out for Seminole County, warning of an “emergency alert” and said the county had ordered people to leave because of Milton.

Minutes later, another alert was sent out that clarified the evacuation order was only for “mobile homes, flood areas, and persons with special needs.”

But that short window of time led to confusion and backlash.

“Your first alert terrified this community and you’ve dropped the ball clarifying, sending folks scrambling for accurate info,” one residenttweetedto county officials on X.

Seminole County representatives did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Continue reading the full story.

– Adam Carlson

Milton Now a Category 4 Storm Again

With hours left to go before landfall, as of Wednesday, Oct. 9, Milton is now a category 4 hurricane.

However, as the National Hurricane Center cautioned, Milton is still “expected to remain an extremely dangerous major hurricanewhen it reaches the west-central coast of Florida.”

The NHC went on to warn that “several tornadoes” are likely to form across central and southern Florida as a result of the storm.

Milton Expected to Remain an ‘Extremely Dangerous Major Hurricane’October 09, 2024 05:57 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostOn Wednesday, Oct. 9 theNational Hurricane Centerstated that Milton is expected to “remain an extremely dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the west-central coast of Florida.“The 5 a.m. statement added that Milton remained a Category 5 hurricane with winds gusting at over 160 mph.“On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today, make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida late tonight or early Thursday morning, and move off the east coast of Florida over the western Atlantic Ocean Thursday afternoon,” the NHC added.“Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area across Florida beginning this evening through early Thursday,” the NHC continued. “Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the warning area on the east coast of Florida tonight and along the Georgia coast on Thursday.”

Milton Expected to Remain an ‘Extremely Dangerous Major Hurricane’

October 09, 2024 05:57 AM EDT

On Wednesday, Oct. 9 theNational Hurricane Centerstated that Milton is expected to “remain an extremely dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the west-central coast of Florida.”

The 5 a.m. statement added that Milton remained a Category 5 hurricane with winds gusting at over 160 mph.

“On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today, make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida late tonight or early Thursday morning, and move off the east coast of Florida over the western Atlantic Ocean Thursday afternoon,” the NHC added.

“Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area across Florida beginning this evening through early Thursday,” the NHC continued. “Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the warning area on the east coast of Florida tonight and along the Georgia coast on Thursday.”

Milton Strengthens to a Category 5 Storm AgainOctober 08, 2024 05:31 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostOn Tuesday, Oct. 8, the National Hurricane Center announced that satellite images indicated that Milton’s maximum sustained winds increased to near 165 mph,making it a category 5 storm once again.“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,” their advisory added.

Milton Strengthens to a Category 5 Storm Again

October 08, 2024 05:31 PM EDT

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the National Hurricane Center announced that satellite images indicated that Milton’s maximum sustained winds increased to near 165 mph,making it a category 5 storm once again.

“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,” their advisory added.

Meteorologist Who Went Viral Speaks Out

Veteran meteorologist John Morales tells PEOPLE that at the time of his viral broadcast, where heteared up while reporting liveon Milton’s potential devastation, he had just learned the storm had temporarily reached Category 5 status.

“The wind speeds more than tripled in the span of just over 24 hours,” he says.

“Then I’m looking at the barometric pressure, which is a measure of [the] intensity of the hurricane,” he adds, “and I’m seeing the pressure drop precipitously. I’m doing a calculation in my head just before I turn to the camera and I start to talk…and my voice breaks when I say it has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours, which to a meteorologist, means a lot.”

Morales says that throughout his career, he’s always been a “just the facts” guy and not an alarmist when it comes to his weather forecasts.

– David Chiu

Disney World Closing All ParksOctober 08, 2024 04:38 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostDisney World announced in a statement that starting on Wednesday, Oct. 9, all " theme parks and Disney Springswill be closedin phases.“Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close at 1 p.m. local time, while Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close at 2 p.m.“It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings,” the statement continued.Universal Orlandowill also close, as willBusch Gardens Tampa Bay.– Erin Clements

Disney World Closing All Parks

October 08, 2024 04:38 PM EDT

Disney World announced in a statement that starting on Wednesday, Oct. 9, all " theme parks and Disney Springswill be closedin phases.”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close at 1 p.m. local time, while Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close at 2 p.m.

“It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings,” the statement continued.

Universal Orlandowill also close, as willBusch Gardens Tampa Bay.

– Erin Clements

White House Launching Reddit Account to Keep People InformedOctober 08, 2024 03:19 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe White House announced on Tuesday, Oct. 2, that a Reddit account will be launched to keep people informed about their ongoing efforts to respond and prepare for Milton.A White House official says the Biden-Harris Administration, as well as FEMA, are working to identify andcombat ongoing misinformationsurrounding Milton and Helene.The page, which isnow live, will include information from local Subreddits, and a White House official says their posts will also be shared on larger pages like r/politics.

White House Launching Reddit Account to Keep People Informed

October 08, 2024 03:19 PM EDT

The White House announced on Tuesday, Oct. 2, that a Reddit account will be launched to keep people informed about their ongoing efforts to respond and prepare for Milton.

A White House official says the Biden-Harris Administration, as well as FEMA, are working to identify andcombat ongoing misinformationsurrounding Milton and Helene.

The page, which isnow live, will include information from local Subreddits, and a White House official says their posts will also be shared on larger pages like r/politics.

Tampa Mayor’s Stark WarningOctober 08, 2024 12:55 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostDuring a Monday appearance on CNN, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said of Milton: ”Without any dramatization whatsoever — if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.“The projected storm surge for Milton “is not survivable,”according to the mayor.She expects the aftermath will be “catastrophic.”– Abigail Adams

Tampa Mayor’s Stark Warning

October 08, 2024 12:55 PM EDT

During a Monday appearance on CNN, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said of Milton: ”Without any dramatization whatsoever — if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.”

The projected storm surge for Milton “is not survivable,”according to the mayor.

She expects the aftermath will be “catastrophic.”

– Abigail Adams

Disney World Closes Some Resort Areas but Parks Remain OpenOctober 08, 2024 12:55 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAs Florida braces for Milton,Walt Disney Worldremains open — but the Orlando resortis already making adjustmentsto “some areas with unique environments” in anticipation of the storm.At 6.p.m. local time on Monday, Oct. 7, Disney Worldannouncedthat its more rustic accommodations will be closed ahead of the storm. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and recreation locations), the Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at its Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.The update added that Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will likely stay closed until Sunday, Oct. 13, and that the Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge are likely to reopen on Friday, Oct. 11.Disney did not make any announcements regarding its other resort hotels or the parks, which as of Tuesday morning remain open. It’s possible Disney will make additional closure announcements as the storm approaches.Similarly,Universal Orlando saidTuesday morning that park operations and hours were “continuing as normal,” adding, “We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates."– Erin Clements

Disney World Closes Some Resort Areas but Parks Remain Open

As Florida braces for Milton,Walt Disney Worldremains open — but the Orlando resortis already making adjustmentsto “some areas with unique environments” in anticipation of the storm.

At 6.p.m. local time on Monday, Oct. 7, Disney Worldannouncedthat its more rustic accommodations will be closed ahead of the storm. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and recreation locations), the Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at its Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

The update added that Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will likely stay closed until Sunday, Oct. 13, and that the Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge are likely to reopen on Friday, Oct. 11.

Disney did not make any announcements regarding its other resort hotels or the parks, which as of Tuesday morning remain open. It’s possible Disney will make additional closure announcements as the storm approaches.

Similarly,Universal Orlando saidTuesday morning that park operations and hours were “continuing as normal,” adding, “We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates.”

– Erin Clements

Florida Mom Has Tearful Reaction amid Evacuations

The mom goes on to say that despite everything, her family is as prepared as they can be. They have a generator, gas and hurricane-proof windows. “We have what we can,” she says. “The only thing we can’t control is the storm surge.”

She adds that because they are in Zone A, along the water and typically the first zone considered for evacuation, they will try to find a place inland if they do need to leave.

– Jordan Greene

Why Milton Can’t Be a ‘Category 6’October 08, 2024 12:55 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe intensity of the storm has fluctuated as it moves through the Gulf — but, despite some viral social media posts suggesting otherwise, it’s impossible for Milton strengthen to a so-called Category 6 hurricane.Thereis no such designation for one, as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale only consists of five hurricane categories based on sustained wind speed.Once a storm reaches Category 5, anything beyond that would not better capture how destructive it is.“There is no reason to add a Cat 6 because a Cat 5 is already total destruction,” one meteorologistexplained on social media.– David Chiu

Why Milton Can’t Be a ‘Category 6’

The intensity of the storm has fluctuated as it moves through the Gulf — but, despite some viral social media posts suggesting otherwise, it’s impossible for Milton strengthen to a so-called Category 6 hurricane.

Thereis no such designation for one, as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale only consists of five hurricane categories based on sustained wind speed.

Once a storm reaches Category 5, anything beyond that would not better capture how destructive it is.

“There is no reason to add a Cat 6 because a Cat 5 is already total destruction,” one meteorologistexplained on social media.

– David Chiu

Fla. Officials Warn Residents to Prepare Ahead of Hurricane MiltonOctober 08, 2024 09:28 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostGov. Ron DeSantis warned residents to be prepared in case Hurricane Milton shifts from its original projected path in anupdateon Tuesday, Oct. 8.“The storm has moved a little bit slower than initially projected. But remember, do not get wedded to the cone,” he said. “Do not get wedded to where the projected landfall is … You could have a wobble either way.“He noted that projections from 5 a.m. local time show the storm making landfall on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning in the Bradenton Beach and Manatee County area, though the Tampa Bay area could also see impacts if the storm shifts.He encouraged residents who were both inside and outside of the hurricane’s projected cone to make sure they were prepared.“Now is the time where you have the ability to make the decisions necessary to keep yourself and your family safe,” DeSantis said. “We urge you to execute your plan. Now. Let’s prepare for the worst, and let’s pray that we get a weakening and hope for the least amount of damage is possible, but we must be prepared for a major, major impact to the west coast of Florida.”

Fla. Officials Warn Residents to Prepare Ahead of Hurricane Milton

October 08, 2024 09:28 AM EDT

Gov. Ron DeSantis warned residents to be prepared in case Hurricane Milton shifts from its original projected path in anupdateon Tuesday, Oct. 8.

“The storm has moved a little bit slower than initially projected. But remember, do not get wedded to the cone,” he said. “Do not get wedded to where the projected landfall is … You could have a wobble either way.”

He noted that projections from 5 a.m. local time show the storm making landfall on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning in the Bradenton Beach and Manatee County area, though the Tampa Bay area could also see impacts if the storm shifts.

He encouraged residents who were both inside and outside of the hurricane’s projected cone to make sure they were prepared.

“Now is the time where you have the ability to make the decisions necessary to keep yourself and your family safe,” DeSantis said. “We urge you to execute your plan. Now. Let’s prepare for the worst, and let’s pray that we get a weakening and hope for the least amount of damage is possible, but we must be prepared for a major, major impact to the west coast of Florida.”

Milton Temporarily Weakens to Category 4

October 08, 2024 04:28 AM EDT

The statement added that Milton’s maximum sustained winds are currently close to 155 mph and that it’s “forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through landfall in Florida.”

Milton is also expected to move north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, and make landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night.

Tampa Could See Historic Damage

October 07, 2024 12:50 PM EDT

Anupdate from the National Weather Servicewarns that “If the storm stays on the current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years.”

Flood, wind and storm surge threats are predicted to extend across much of central and southern Florida, according to the National Weather Service.

“This is the real deal here with Milton,” Tampa’s mayor, Jane Castor, told reporters, accordingto the Associated Press. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”

Milton Now a Category 5October 07, 2024 12:19 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAn update from the National Hurricane Center on Monday afternoon said that Milton had become a Category 5, as expected, with sustained winds topping out at 160 mph.Forecasters have said Milton will weaken as it gets closer to making landfall, though it is still expected to be very dangerous.Hurricane Milton prep in Kissimmee, Fla., on Sunday, Oct. 6.GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty

Milton Now a Category 5

October 07, 2024 12:19 PM EDT

An update from the National Hurricane Center on Monday afternoon said that Milton had become a Category 5, as expected, with sustained winds topping out at 160 mph.

Forecasters have said Milton will weaken as it gets closer to making landfall, though it is still expected to be very dangerous.

Hurricane Milton prep in Kissimmee, Fla., on Sunday, Oct. 6.GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty

GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty

‘Please’ Evacuate If Asked, Officials Say

October 07, 2024 11:37 AM EDT

The director of the National Hurricane Center made an appeal to Florida residents ahead of Milton making landfall this week, likely on Wednesday night.

Get ready, he said.

Milton’s Projected Path

October 07, 2024 11:25 AM EDT

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source: people.com