Florida residents in the path of Hurricane Milton have received a last-ditch emergency alert to “GET OUT NOW” ahead of the storm making landfall on Wednesday night.
While Milton’s intensity continues to fluctuate, and again weakening to a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center predicts it will be “one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida”.
The storm continues to grow in size and winds are expected to pick up on Florida’s west coast this afternoon, the NHC warned.
In Pinellas County’s latest emergency alert, officials pleaded with residents to “GET OUT NOW. THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO GET OUT BEFORE THE STORM.”
Federal and state officials have urged those in Milton’s path to evacuate to avoid “catastrophic” winds, up to 18in rainfall and up to 15ft of storm surge, before the major hurricane slams into Florida’s west-central coast.
“This is the 11th hour. If you’re in an evacuation zone, the time to get out is now,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chard Chronister told CNN on Wednesday.
Vice President Kamala Harris warned that even the toughest Floridians won’t weather the “historic” hurricane, she said on The Late Show on Tuesday night.
Key Points
- Milton again weakens to Category 4 but winds to pick up in Florida
- Florida approaching its ‘11th hour’ as Milton races to coast
- Tracking Hurricane Milton: Where is storm now?
- ‘Life-threatening’ infections linked to Hurricane Milton
- iPhone’s new satellite feature could save lives - here’s why
Watch: National Weather Service Tampa Bay gives safety tips for Hurricane Milton
16:30
James Liddell
Photos show tornado racing across busy I-75
16:20
James Liddell
TORNADO just crossed I-75! https://t.co/RZCkn3LlSn pic.twitter.com/27R33J02Kk
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 9, 2024
‘We’re hurricane chasers!’ Florida resident reveals why he’s not evacuating – despite mandatory order
16:10
James Liddell
A Florida resident has revealed the reason he’s chosen not to evacuate, despite a mandatory order issued to his county.
Millions of Floridians have been issued evacuation orders ahead of Hurricane Milton’s anticipated landfall on Wednesday evening on the state’s west-central coast. The storm will then move to the east coast over the Atlantic Ocean by Thursday afternoon.
Dave Carol of Vilano Beach, St Johns County, has decided to stay put – despite a mandatory evacuation order being issued to the county.
“We’re hurricane chasers!” Dave Carroll told Action News Jax.
“And being originally from Fort Lauderdale, we know. It’s just Asheville, they’re not prepped for that. This area is prepped for it, and so I think it’ll be, the main thing is the flooding.”
He added: “Our house has never flooded here and we’re not in a flood zone.”
Just in: Southern Florida to brace for ‘tornadic supercells,' NHC warns
16:07
James Liddell
Hurricane #Milton Advisory 18: Tornadic Supercells From Milton Beginning to Sweep Across The Southern Florida Peninsula. The Time to Prepare, Including Evacuate If Told Do So, Is Quickly Coming to an End Along the Florida West Coast. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2024
DeSantis: ‘There will be fatalities’
16:04
James Liddell
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared that there “will be fatalities” after the monster Hurricane Milton slams into the state’s west coast on Wednesday evening.
“It is going to bring a lot of ferocity, a lot of hazards, damage. You still have time to make decisions to ensure your safety,” he said.
“Just know if you get 10ft of storm surge, you can’t just hunker down with that. Mother nature is going to win that fight.”
He later added: “Unfortunately there will be fatalities when you have storm surge that will be 10ft.”
The governor has now ended his press briefing.
170,000 spaces still available in hurricane shelters
15:27
James Liddell
The Florida governor declared that almost 170,000 spaces are still available in hurricane shelters across the state.
Admitting the shelters are “not the Four Seasons,” DeSantis said that only 31,000 individuals had registered to stay at the facilities. The total capacity of the state’s shelters is approximately 200,000, the governor said.
“There is space available in these shelters,” DeSantis said. “You may be able to get in your car and travel 10 miles to ride the storm out.”
Kevin Guthrie, the Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management confirmed that there is space for “well over 200,000 in the impact area… There is room”.
You can find a full list of shelters here.
‘Largest staging of linesmen and utility workers in American history,’ DeSantis says
15:19
James Liddell
Ron DeSantis said that Storm Milton will demand the largest deployment of linesmen and utility workers in America’s history, with mass power outages expected across parts of Florida.
More than 50,000 linesman have been brought in from as far away as California in preparation of Milton making landfall this evening on the west coast, the Florida governor said.
Florida prepares for largest National Guard search and rescue mission in state’s history
15:16
James Liddell
Ron DeSantis said that the Florida National Guard is getting set for its largest ever search and rescue operation in the state’s history.
Hundreds of state search and rescue personnel will be deployed from 26 teams – to begin rescue efforts immediately after the storm passes, the Florida governor said.
More than 6,000 Florida National Guard personnel are on standby with an additional 3,000 guardsmen coming from other states, he added.
Live: DeSatis warns Hurricane Milton will ‘pack major, major punch’
15:10
James Liddell
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has begun giving a press conference about Hurricane Milton on Wednesday morning, ahead of its prospect landfall on the state’s west coast later in the evening.
“While there is the hope it will weaken more before landfall, there is huge confidence that this hurricane will pack a major, major punch and cause a lot of damage,” DeSantis warned.
Disney World announces rare closure due to Hurricane Milton
15:01
James Liddell
Hurricane Milton remains a ferocious storm that could land a once-in-a-century direct hit on Tampa and St. Petersburg, engulfing the populous region with towering storm surges and turning debris from Helene’s devastation 12 days ago into projectiles.
While the storm had previously weakened, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Tuesday that Hurricane Milton was once again a Category 5 storm.
Mike Schneider has more.
‘Empty streets and people’s lives on the curb’: Floridians brace for Hurricane Milton
14:29
James Liddell
Pinellas County residents have been left pondering whether parts of Florida will ever be “able to recover” upon Hurricane Milton making landfall on Wednesday evening.
Streets have been left desolate with millions of Floridians evacuating across the state, with Milton expected to slam into the west-central coast tonight.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned of the storm leaving an “indelible mark” on communities up and down the Sunshine State. Now, Gulfport locals have shared their anguish.
“The streets are empty, people are preparing for the next round, you just see people’s lives out at the curb, it’s kind of sad,” resident Tim Phillips told WTSP.
Another local, Michelle Unterberger, added: “Are they ever going to be able to recover? Is this ever going to be the same? I don’t know.”
Just in: ‘Complete all life-saving prep now,’ NHC urges
14:05
James Liddell
The National Hurricane Center has urged for final pre-hurricane preparations to be “rushed to completion” ahead of Milton making landfall on Florida’s west coast this evening.
“Now is the time to rush to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan,” the NHC said in its latest statement.
“Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.”
Health officials warn of ‘life-threatening’ infections linked to Hurricane Milton
13:59
James Liddell
Florida health officials have warned of the potential for “life-threatening” infections to be caused by rising flood waters caused by Hurricane Milton.
Florida residents have been urged to avoid heavily-flooded areas due to the risk of Vibrio infections.
Exposure to the bacteria (often through open wounds or ingestion), which lives in coastal waters, can cause the illness vibriosis. The Vibrio infection can cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, blistering skin lesions and discharge – if wounds become infected.
“The Florida Department of Health (Department) urges residents and visitors to avoid floodwaters and prevent exposure to Vibrio in anticipation of flooding and heavy rain caused by Hurricane Milton,” the Florida Department of Health said in a statement on Tuesday.
About 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill, the Center for Disease and Control Prevention says on its website.
This iPhone feature could save your life in a hurricane
13:29
James Liddell
An iPhone satellite messaging function could help save lives during a hurricane.
The feature was added during a recent operating system update for millions of Apple users. It came just in time, Americans affected by Hurricane Helene said on social media.
Julia Musto has the full story.
Just in: Tornadoes ‘likely’ across Florida with central counties most at risk
13:21
James Liddell
The @NWSSPC is forecasting an enhanced risk (3 of 5) associated with #Milton as several tornadoes are likely today and tonight across parts of central and southern Florida. pic.twitter.com/u585YVkvfM
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2024
Kamala Harris says even the toughest Floridians can’t wait out historic hurricane
13:00
James Liddell
Vice President Kamala Harris issued a stark warning that even toughest Floridians won't withstand Hurricane Milton.
The Democratic presidential nominee appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night.
“The Hurricane that is about to hit Florida is extremely serious. And it is predicted to be historic in proportion, in terms of the damage it will cause. And I know a lot of tough Floridians that have waited out many hurricanes and may think they can do the same with this one,” Harris said.
“This one’s going to be different,” the vice president warned.
She continued: “I ask anyone who’s watching, if you’re in Florida in the predicted path, if you have a family member who might think they can wait it out, please get in touch with them and tell them it’s not going to be like the ones we’ve seen before. Please follow your local leader’s instructions. And if they’re telling you to evacuate, grab your stuff and get out.”
Just in: Milton again weakens to Cat. 4 hurricane but winds to pick up on Florida’s west coast
12:53
James Liddell
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
‘11th hour’ for Florida residents as Hurricane Milton races to west coast
12:29
James Liddell
A county sheriff has warned that Florida is fast approaching its “11th hour” before Hurricane Milton slams into the west-central coast on Wednesday evening.
“This is the 11th hour. If you’re in an evacuation zone, the time to get out is now,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chard Chronister told CNN on Wednesday.
“We already saw some flooding out here early this morning. That’s only going to get worse. As this storm wobbles, we don’t know what kind of storm surge,” he said.
In a separate video posted by the sheriff’s department on X, Chronister added: “My message is simple: if you need to get someplace safe for whatever reason, the time to do so is now.”
Watch live: Tampa, Florida braces for ‘catastrophic’ Hurricane Milton
12:00
James Liddell
School closures: More doors shut at K-12 institutions across 49 Florida counties
11:29
James Liddell
More K-12 schools across Florida have been closed with institutions across 49 of 67 counties shutting their doors today in anticipation of Hurricane Milton making landfall on the state’s west-central coast.
The figure is up from yesterday, with schools from across 43 counties opting to close ahead of Milton slamming into the Sunshine State.
Just two of those schools are expected to reopen on Thursday after the storm makes its way to the east coast.
“The Florida Department of Education works closely with school districts before, during and after natural disasters to ensure they have the resources necessary to resume normal operations as quickly as possible. We will continue collaborating with district leadership to address questions as they arise,” a statement reads on the Florida Department of Education’s website.
How rumours are making FEMA's job difficult amid back to back hurricanes
10:59
James Liddell
The rumours surrounding Hurricane Helene are many. There are false claims that people taking federal relief money could see their land seized. Or that $750 is the most they will ever get to rebuild. Or that the agency's director, on the ground since the storm hit, was beaten up and hospitalised.
As the US agency tasked with responding to disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been fighting misinformation since Helene slammed into Florida nearly two weeks ago and brought a wide swath of destruction as it headed north.
Read more:
Watch: Terrifying moment Hurricane Hunters fly 'Miss Piggy' aircraft through eye of Milton
10:35
James Liddell
In the name of life-saving science. https://t.co/hXdqWqllRI
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 9, 2024
Tropical storm warning in place for Georgia
10:15
James Liddell
The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for the Georgia coast, according to its latest public advisory.
Tropical storm conditions (wind speeds between 39 to 73mph) are expected from Altamaha Sound to the Savannah River from Thursday.
A storm surge warning is also in place from north of Altamaha Sound to Edisto Beach in South Carolina.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in portions of South Carolina and the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday, the NHC said.
Milton remains ‘catastrophic’ Category 5 hurricane
10:04
James Liddell
Hurricane #Milton Advisory 17: Milton Remains a Catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane. Forecast to Make Landfall On the Florida Gulf Coast Late Tonight as a Dangerous Major Hurricane. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2024
Tracking Milton: Wind speed, storm surge, flash floods and rainfall
10:00
James Liddell
Mapped: Tracking Hurricane Milton’s path as it heads for Florida
09:31
James Liddell
Hurricane Milton strengthened back up to a major Category 5 hurricane after fluctuations in intensity on Tuesday evening, with the National Hurricane Center billing it as “one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida”.
The storm, which currently has sustained wind speeds of 160mph, is racing towards Florida’s west-central coast, where it is predicted to make landfall late with less intensity on Wednesday evening or in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Read James Liddell’s full story complete with the latest maps and diagrams of Milton’s path.
Watch: Sun sets on Milton as it regains strength to Category 5 hurricane
09:02
James Liddell
With the sun setting on the now Category 5 Hurricane #Milton, we'll offer these words from the @NHC_Atlantic forecast discussion...
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 8, 2024
"This is a very serious situation and residents in Florida should closely follow orders from their local emergency management officials.… pic.twitter.com/NVI3iJoNLg
.@NOAA's #GOESEast ️ continues to closely watch extremely dangerous #HurricaneMilton this afternoon. #Milton has restrengthened from earlier today, with sustained winds now at 165 mph.
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) October 8, 2024
Get the latest: https://t.co/UXM5YwHjlv https://t.co/Ae0AINDnuG pic.twitter.com/FVIa7KlEwm
What is a ‘Category 6’ storm – does it exist?
09:00
Stuti Mishra
Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification to a Category 5 storm has shocked forecasters, but it is just the latest in a series of storms so extreme that the current hurricane scale may no longer fully capture their severity.
The potential “once in a lifetime” storm rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in a matter of a few hours.
Given the intensification of hurricanes due to climate crisis, some experts have suggested the need for a Category 6, to account for storms with wind speeds exceeding 192mph.
Read the full story.
Evacuation before Hurricane Milton a matter of 'life and death', Biden warns
08:32
Stuti Mishra
President Biden warned Florida residents who are in the path of powerful Hurricane Milton to evacuate as the White House announced he would be postponing a trip to Germany and Angola to monitor the storm response.
"I've urged everyone, everyone currently located in Hurricane Milton's path to listen local officials and follow safety instructions," Mr Biden said.
"If you're under evacuation orders, you should evacuate now, now, you should have already evacuated. It's a matter of life and death."
Mr Biden said he pre-approved emergency declarations in Florida and had sent FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell to Florida on Monday.
He also called on airlines to provide "as much service as possible" and "not engage in price gouging."
Mr Biden said he had spoken to "all political leaders" in the region, "some of them more than once," and he said he told them "anything they ask for, they can get."
Hurricane Milton could spare Tampa from a direct hit, but risks remain
08:08
Stuti Mishra
Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm with 160 mph winds, is on track to make landfall late on Wednesday or early Thursday near Tampa Bay, according to the National Hurricane Center.
While earlier forecasts had Milton directly hitting the Tampa area, more recent models suggest a slight shift in the storm’s path toward the Sarasota area, potentially sparing Tampa from the worst of the storm.
Despite this shift, Tampa remains at high risk, particularly from storm surges, with forecasts predicting 10 to 15 feet of surge in some parts of the bay, double the levels seen during Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago.
This makes Tampa, a city of 3 million, particularly vulnerable due to its low-lying geography, which is prone to flooding from storm surges.
Meteorologists, however, stress on not focusing on the exact track of hurricanes as projected paths can change and major impacts can occur outside of cone.
But even a slight change in Milton's path could drastically affect who experiences the worst impacts, so residents are still being urged to evacuate.
While the storm is expected to weaken slightly before landfall, its size will grow, with tropical storm-force winds extending up to 230 miles from the centre. This means that the entire Florida peninsula could feel the effects, even if Tampa avoids a direct hit.
Where is Hurricane Milton now?
07:30
Stuti Mishra
Hurricane Milton is now about 405 miles southwest of Tampa, with sustained winds of 160mph.
The storm has weakened very slightly but remains a Category 5 hurricane after an eyewall replacement that restrengthened it.
The storm is moving northeast at 12mph and is expected to make landfall along Florida’s central Gulf Coast by Wednesday night or early Thursday.
While the storm is forecast to weaken slightly before landfall, it will expand greatly in size, spreading its dangerous impacts over a wide area. Tropical storm-force winds will extend 230 miles outward from the centre, potentially covering the entire Florida peninsula.
Last-minute shifts in Milton's trajectory could critically affect who experiences the brunt of the storm.
Photos: Florida braces for impact as Hurricane Milton closes in
07:07
Stuti Mishra
Space station footage shows Milton re-intensifying over the Gulf of Mexico
07:00
Kelly Rissman
The International Space Station just orbited above Hurricane Milton as it is re-intensifying over the southern Gulf of Mexico.
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) October 8, 2024
Spectacular view from space. pic.twitter.com/KDShU0qZIN
Climate crisis made Hurricane Helene worse and could do same to Milton
06:43
Stuti Mishra
A new report from World Weather Attribution (WWA) shows that Hurricane Helene was significantly more intense due to the climate crisis, with wind speeds 11 per cent higher and rainfall totals about 10 per cent greater.
Researchers warn that Hurricane Milton is likely to behave similarly, as it barrels toward Florida's coast. Forecasters have said Milton could be Florida's worst storm on record.
The report found that the current high sea surface temperatures fuelling these storms were made 200 to 500 times more likely by the climate crisis.
“We have all the full body of research now that shows this very clear connection between climate change and hurricane intensity," Friederike Otto, a climate scientist from Imperial College London, said.
"The biggest danger is not to make the connection to climate change.”
The study highlights how fossil fuel-driven warming has increased the likelihood of hurricanes like Helene, which used to occur every 130 years, but now have a 1 in 53 chance of hitting any given year.
Climate change is a total game-changer for hurricanes like Helene. If humans continue to burn fossil fuels, the US will face even more destructive hurricanes.”
Map: When is Hurricane Milton making landfall in Florida
06:20
Stuti Mishra
Hurricane Milton, now back at Category 5, is expected to make landfall between Tampa and Fort Myers on Wednesday night, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Milton is currently packing ferocious winds of up to 165mph (270kmph). Forecasters warn it could be the worst storm to hit the area in about a century - with a surge of 10-15ft or over, and heavy rainfall of up to 1.5ft.
The storm is currently moving northeast at 12mph towards Florida’s west-central coast, bringing dangerous winds and storm surges up to 15 feet in some areas. Milton’s intensification follows an eyewall replacement cycle, which often leads to strengthening before landfall.
How are hurricanes named? How many categories are there?
06:00
Stuti Mishra
Hurricane Milton is approaching Florida's Gulf Coast as a restrengthened Category 5 hurricane.
The storm now has sustained winds of 165mph and gusts over 200mph, making it one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record.
How are hurricanes named?
Hurricanes are named by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to simplify communication. Names are drawn from pre-determined lists that are reused every six years, alternating between male and female names in alphabetical order. Some letters like Q, U, X, Y, and Z are skipped due to a lack of available names. Names are retired if a hurricane causes significant damage or loss of life, as seen with Katrina or Maria.
When a hurricane season exhausts the 21 names on its list, the WMO now uses a supplemental list of names, replacing the old practice of turning to the Greek alphabet.
How are hurricanes categorised?
Hurricanes are categorised using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is based on sustained wind speeds and has five categories:
Category 1: Wind speeds of 74-95mph – Minimal damage to buildings, some power outages.
Category 2: Wind speeds of 96-110mph – More severe damage to trees, buildings, and power lines.
Category 3: Wind speeds of 111-129mph – Causes extensive damage, with risks of long-term outages of power and water.
Category 4: Wind speeds of 130-156mph – Catastrophic damage to homes, trees, and infrastructure.
Category 5: Wind speeds of 157mph or higher – Complete devastation, with entire buildings destroyed and life-threatening risks.
Given the intensification of hurricanes due to climate crisis, some experts have suggested the need for a Category 6, to account for storms with wind speeds exceeding 192mph.
Read more:
Florida evacuates thousands of prisoners before Milton makes landfall
05:40
Stuti Mishra
Florida has evacuated more than 4,600 prisoners before Hurricane Milton, the Category 5 storm that’s expected to bring unprecedented damage to major population centers like Tampa, touches down.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the state had “successfully relocated 4,636 inmates without compromising public safety and additional evacuations are underway,” according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
Josh Marcus has the full story.
Photos: Hurricane Milton causes flooding in Mexico
05:20
Stuti Mishra
'We can replace your home, we can't replace your life'
05:00
Stuti Mishra
The mayor of Bradenton in Florida also joined others in giving a stark warning to residents to evacuate before the window to safely do so closes.
"Get out of these areas because we can replace your home, we can't replace your life," mayor Gene Brown said on ABC News.
"And we don't want to be finding bodies floating in rivers, and we've seen that before," he said.
To those who still decide not to evacuate the town, which is on the path of Hurricane Milton, he said:
Write your name on your arm so we can identify you.”
Watch: Stunning timelapse video shows Hurricane Milton from space
04:48
Stuti Mishra
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri warns about Milton’s ‘aftermath’: ‘We have great concern’
04:30
Julia Musto
"We have great concern about the aftermath."
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) October 8, 2024
Please stay tuned to our social media channels for information concerning bridge and county closures before heading back.
Reminder: Access to the barrier islands will be closed to EVERYONE at 7 PM tonight (10/8). pic.twitter.com/GUVXckQr72
Milton restrengthens into a Category 5 hurricane
04:20
Stuti Mishra
Hurricane Milton re-strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane as it moved closer to Florida's west coast where window for safely evacuating is closing soon, officials say.
The storm with 165mph winds has already caused flooding in Mexico and could be “one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida", NHC warned.
Milton will still be a major Category 3 storm when it makes landfall in Florida on late Wednesday night or early Thursday near Tampa and Sarasota.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says state will have 43K linemen responding to expected power outages
04:00
Julia Musto
Today, I visited a logistics staging area at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, one of our many staging sites just outside Hurricane Milton’s projected path. Florida and our partners have spent the past few days deploying personnel and equipment to strategically located sites like… pic.twitter.com/ND8Kumd6kA
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 8, 2024
Nearly 30 Florida counties under hurricane warning for Milton
03:30
Julia Musto
10/8: 28 counties are under a hurricane warning for Hurricane #Milton, meaning, hurricane conditions are expected in these areas within 36hrs.
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) October 8, 2024
Finalize your disaster plans, charge all of your devices & continue to heed all orders from local officials! pic.twitter.com/B5BoJvRH0E
Florida partners with Uber to provide Floridians with free rides
03:00
Julia Musto
We have partnered w/@Uber to provide Floridians free rides to & from shelters in counties evacuating for #Milton. Get a ride:
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) October 8, 2024
Open the Uber app
Tap Account on the bottom right & tap Wallet
✅ Add promo code MILTONRELIEF
Find a state-approved shelter:…
Sheriff Carmine Marceno posts video of Lee County’s SHERP vehicle
02:30
Julia Musto
Bring it, Hurricane Milton pic.twitter.com/NA5tINHUob
— Carmine Marceno - Florida’s Law and Order Sheriff (@SheriffLeeFL) October 8, 2024
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center limits personnel ahead of hurricane
01:59
Kelly Rissman
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Brevard County, Florida is now restricted to essential personnel only as it prepares for Milton’s landfall on Wednesday evening.
“The Ride Out Team, comprising of emergency response representatives from across the center, will report Wednesday ahead of the heaviest impacts to the area and safely shelter in the spaceport’s Launch Control Center for the remainder of the storm,” the center said in an announcement on Tuesday.
Once the hurricane has passed and winds have subsided, the infrastructure “will be assessed before employees are cleared to return to work.”
The latest update on Milton shows hurricane could bring ‘life-threatening storm surge and wins’
01:30
Kelly Rissman
Hurricane #Milton Advisory 15A: Milton Will Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge and Winds to Portions of the Florida Gulf Coast. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2024
iPhone’s new feature could be life-saving in a hurricane
01:29
James Liddell
An iPhone satellite messaging function could help save lives during a hurricane.
The feature was added during a recent operating system update for millions of Apple users. It came just in time, Americans affected by Hurricane Helene said on social media.
Read the full story.
Florida DOT warns of bridge closures
01:00
Julia Musto
ATTENTION TAMPA BAY AREA MOTORISTS: Major bridges are expected to close given the upcoming hazardous weather conditions from #HurricaneMilton, including the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Howard Frankland and Gandy Bridges, and the Courtney Campbell Causeway.
— FLORIDA DOT (@MyFDOT) October 8, 2024
Residents should take… https://t.co/fJUzasnSlp
Last-minute evacuees jam Alligator Alley
Wednesday 9 October 2024 00:30
Julia Musto
Alligator Alley, a portion of the southwestern Interstate 75, is backed up as residents race to evacuate the areas.
Alligator Alley Live View from @NBC2 of I-75 Eastbound evacuations to East Coast of Florida from Southern Collier County. pic.twitter.com/CCzCfK1rAc
— Jazmine Starr (@jazminestarr239) October 8, 2024
Space station captures Milton’s eye as it flies more than 250 miles above Earth
Wednesday 9 October 2024 00:00
Julia Musto
257 miles above the Ear