Hurricane Milton, initially a Category 5, made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida as a Category 3 storm, with sustained winds of 120 mph, posing “extremely dangerous” conditions. The storm threatens central Florida with life-threatening surges, extreme winds, and flash floods, particularly affecting Sarasota and Orlando. Authorities issued mandatory evacuations for 15 counties, urging residents to move inland and into available shelters.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized the availability of shelters, noting current occupancy stands at 31,000, with room for 200,000. Gas shortages plague the state, with 23% of stations out of fuel as residents prepare for the storm. The Florida Highway Patrol has escorted fuel tankers to replenish supplies.
The National Weather Service warned of possible tornadoes, issuing alerts for central and southern Florida, including Miami-Dade. Tornadic activity has already been reported in southern areas like the Everglades.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell urged evacuations from storm surge zones, warning of Milton’s catastrophic potential. Criswell will assist in recovery efforts post-storm. Concerns about price gouging and fraud prompted warnings from the Justice Department, with President Biden urging companies to provide necessary services without exploiting the situation.
With Tampa erecting flood barriers and federal personnel deployed for aid, Milton is anticipated as one of Florida’s worst storms in a century, heightening urgency for residents’ safety and effective response strategies.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/09/live-updates-hurricane-milton-closes-in-on-florida.html
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