Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned residents Tuesday that “time is running out” for them to evacuate.
“You may have a window where it may be safe, but you may not,” he said. “So, use today as your day to finalize and execute the plan that is going to protect you and your family.”
His warning comes after Tampa mayor Jane Castor told CNN on Monday that residents will die if they don’t evacuate as Hurricane Milton races towards the state’s west coast.
Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of the Sunshine State almost two weeks ago, was a “wake-up call,” she said. Milton could be “literally catastrophic,” Castor added.
The potential “once in a lifetime” storm rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane on Monday with sustained winds surpassing 180mph, before slowing to Category 4 on Tuesday.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton may regain strength and grow in size, posing “even more danger” as it is expected to make landfall in Florida by Wednesday evening, slamming into the densely populated Tampa Bay.
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration on Monday after pledging “life-saving resources in advance of the storm,” the day prior.
Key Points
- Hurricane Milton downgraded to Category 4 but can regain strength
- Florida potentially faces most damaging hurricane yet
- Mapped: Charting Hurricane Milton’s path as it heads for Florida
- How ocean heat acted as 'rocket fuel' for Hurricane Milton
- Should I evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall?
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tells evacuees that time is ‘running out'
Tampa debris collection ends tomorrow afternoon
21:45
Julia Musto
UPDATE: Debris collection will end 10/9 at 3pm. https://t.co/US5ovkFc87
— City of Tampa (@CityofTampa) October 8, 2024
Heavy rain poses risk of extreme flooding, flash flooding to most of Florida
21:30
Julia Musto
10/8/24: 2pm Tropical Update
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) October 8, 2024
️ Heavy rain also poses a significant threat to most of FL.
⚠️There's a potential for extreme flooding rain and high risk for flash flooding.
⚠️Current rainfall amounts forecasted to be around 5-12" with isolated areas of 18". #flwx pic.twitter.com/3hMmnDsZXS
Heart-racing video shows hurricane plane experiencing massive turbulence going through Hurricane Milton
21:20
Julia Musto
Hurricane hunters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had a bumpy ride when they flew a plane into the massive Category 5 Hurricane Milton as it approached Florida’s western coast.
Video of the Tuesday flight showed NOAA researchers with the agency’s Commissioned Officers Corps holding onto the aircraft interior as the storm’s 155mph (249kph) winds buffetted the plane. Outside, only the wing of the plane was visible against the dark gray clouds of the storm.
The crew of the “Miss Piggy” was flying into the giant storm to collect data to improve forecasts and broaden their understanding of the storm.
The Independent’s Graig Graziosi has the latest: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/video-hurricane-milton-airplane-turbulence-b2626073.html
Florida leaders receive briefing about Milton from Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno
21:19
Julia Musto
Joined @RepDonaldsPress, State Rep @jenna_persons and local officials to receive a briefing about Hurricane #Milton from @SheriffLeeFL Carmine Marceno, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 8, 2024
This storm could be a Category 4 or worse. If you are on the… pic.twitter.com/mcOtQGulTD
‘A mad dash to find gas’: Empty stations and gridlock make Hurricane Milton evacuations tricky
21:10
Julia Musto
Florida residents have described a “mad dash to get gas” as thousands scramble to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Those attempting to leave the area have been caught up in heavy congestion and other travel headaches. In areas such as Pinellas County, which encompasses the cities of Clearwater and St Petersburg and has a population just shy of one million, up to 60 percent of residents have been told to get out.
Authorities are taking a more proactive approach to storm preparations and evacuation in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which killed over 200 people across six states. Milton is expected to slam into Tampa on Wednesday.
The Independent’s Mike Bedigan has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/hurricane-milton-evacuation-gas-tampa-florida-b2626002.html
Milton's storm surge is a threat that could be devastating far beyond the Tampa Bay region
21:00
Julia Musto
Two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene “spared” the Tampa Bay region a direct hit and yet storm surge still caused catastrophic damage, flooding homes, drowning people who decided to stay near the coast and leaving massive piles of debris that still sit along roadsides.
Now that Hurricane Milton, a more powerful storm, is heading straight for the same region, what can residents expect?
“Worse. Much worse,” said former Federal Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate, a Florida resident who previously ran the state’s emergency management division.
The Associated Press has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ap-tampa-bay-tallahassee-hurricane-ian-naples-b2626058.html
Florida Transportation Department reinforces Sainbel Causeway
20:50
Julia Musto
As #HurricaneMilton approaches, crews on the Sanibel Causeway are reinforcing recent improvements. Extra armor stone has been added near the toll plaza, alongside standard storm prep like securing materials and equipment. Safety first! #FLPrep #HurricaneReady @MyFDOT pic.twitter.com/PqNH9jRSj7
— FDOT District 1 (@MyFDOT_SWFL) October 8, 2024
DeSantis says Milton moving slower than projected over last 36 hours, will bring impacts across Florida
20:48
Julia Musto
“There is still a lot of uncertainty about where exactly the eye of the storm is going to hit,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters on Tuesday.
DeSantis said current projections showed it just south of Tampa Bay in Manatee, but that officials would know more over the next 12 to 18 hours.
Warnings or watches have been issued for nearly the entire Florida peninsula.
“Almost every place on the west coast of Florida could get major storm surge,” DeSantis said.
The governor noted that the storm will bring significant impacts across the Sunshine State, and is going to exit on its eastern coastline “likely” still at hurricane strength.
Bridges in Manatee, Sarasota Counties are locked down to boat openings
20:45
Julia Musto
All coastal drawbridges in #FDOT District One (Manatee and Sarasota) Counties have been locked down to boat openings and tender houses secured in anticipation of Hurricane Milton scheduled to hit landfall late Wednesday, early Thursday. pic.twitter.com/nckRw6Pwzd
— FDOT District 1 (@MyFDOT_SWFL) October 8, 2024
DeSantis confident federal government will approve whatever resources state needs
20:42
Julia Musto
“I’m that the confident federal government will approve what we need approved going forward,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Tuesday afternoon in a press briefing.
“And, we’ll make sure that we continue doing the best we can for the people of this state.”
These comments come after DeSantis faced criticism from Vice President Kamala Harris earlier in the day, and following reports DeSantis would not take her phone calls.
DeSantis told “Fox & Friends” this morning that Harris was “playing political games.”
‘It’s not about you Kamala!’ DeSantis lashes out at Harris as they spar over Hurricane Milton
20:35
Julia Musto
As Hurricane Milton bears down on the U.S, Florida governor Ron DeSantis has accused Kamala Harris of politicizing storm preparations, after the vice president called the Republican “selfish” for reportedly ignoring her calls.
“We’ve been on emergency footing around the clock, two weeks straight,” DeSantis told Fox News on Tuesday. “That’s been my sole focus. My focus has not been on dealing with Kamala Harris. I saw the news report. I didn’t know she tried to contact me. It’s not about you, Kamala. It’s about the people of Florida.”
The Independent’s Josh Marcus has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ron-desantis-kamala-harris-hurricane-b2626042.html
Florida officials say the window is ‘closing’ on evacuation
20:32
Julia Musto
“If you’re wondering, ‘Should I evacuate?’ Go ahead and evacuate while you still have time,” the Florida Department of Transportation said at a Tuesday afternoon news conference.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gives an update on Hurricane Milton: ‘I know everybody’s tired'
20:24
Julia Musto
Governor DeSantis Provides Update #6 on Hurricane Milton in Ocala https://t.co/D1Yv9Rzt7S
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 8, 2024
Images show Florida evacuations, preparations for Milton
20:21
Julia Musto
Florida Highway Patrol troopers escort fuel trucks to replenish supply
20:10
Julia Musto
As demand for fuel surges, FHP troopers are escorting fuel trucks to replenish the supply at gas stations along evacuation routes… https://t.co/BNgtBmVGc7
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 8, 2024
Aircraft experiences major turbulence while flying through Hurricane Milton
19:56
Julia Musto
Milton evacuees reportedly injured after crash into Tampa Bay
19:30
Julia Musto
Fire officials said four passengers aboard a small airplane were trying to evacuate from Hurricane Milton when the aircraft crashed into Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
Three of the four passengers on the Piper Cherokee were hospitalized after the crash, Ashlie Handy, a spokesperson for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, reportedly said.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor: Milton’s storm surge could turn a house into ‘the coffin that you’re in’
19:20
Julia Musto
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor stressed Tuesday that storm surge from Hurricane Milton could turn houses into “the coffin that you’re in.”
“So if you’re in it, basically that’s the coffin that you’re in,” she said, according to The Associated Press.
“You want to pick a fight with Mother Nature? She’s winning 100 percent of the time,” Castor said.
Disney World and Universal Orlando remain open ahead of Hurricane Milton
19:15
Julia Musto
Major theme parks Walt Disney World and Universal remained open Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Milton ’s expected hit as a major storm in Florida even as other parts of Orlando’s tourism machine shut down.
Disney said it was operating under normal conditions and planned, for now, only to close its campgrounds and rental cabins in wooded areas.
Both theme parks said they would continue monitoring the weather and adjust accordingly.
Meanwhile, other parts of Orlando were shutting down — including Orlando International Airport, which said it would cease operations Wednesday morning. The airport is the nation’s seventh busiest and Florida’s most trafficked.
The Independent’s Mike Schneider has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/disney-world-ap-orlando-universal-orlando-united-states-b2625975.html
Live: Florida braces for ‘extremely dangerous’ category 4 Hurricane Milton
19:00
Julia Musto
Video from space station shows Milton’s reach
18:45
Julia Musto
We flew over Hurricane Milton about 90 minutes ago. Here is the view out the Dragon Endeavour window. Expect lots of images from this window as this is where I’m sleeping while we wait to undock and return to Earth.
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) October 8, 2024
Timelapse coming in a separate post.
1/6400 sec, f8, ISO 500 pic.twitter.com/zkhJdTlag7
Timelapse flying by Hurricane Milton about 2 hours ago.
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) October 8, 2024
1/6400 sec exposure, 14mm, ISO 500, 0.5 sec interval, 30fps pic.twitter.com/p5wBlC95mx
Milton intensity has ‘rebounded'
18:42
Julia Musto
Hurricane #Milton Advisory 14A: Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters Find That Milton'S Intensity Has Rebounded. Today is the Last Full Day For Florida Residents to Get Their Families and Homes Ready and Evacuate If Told to Do So. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 8, 2024
‘Exposed, inexperienced’ Tampa in the eye of the hurricane for first time in more than a century
18:30
Julia Musto
Hurricane Milton, the monster Category 5 storm raging in the Gulf of Mexico will bring its fury to western Florida and threaten a city that has typically escaped widespread damage from hurricanes.
Despite its location, Tampa has been lucky to avoid the worst of the hurricanes that slam into the Sunshine State each year. The last time the eye of a large storm passed through Tampa was more than 100 years ago.
Unlike in 1921, Tampa is now home to more than 3 million people, and the climate crisis is in full swing, creating the conditions for more storms and worse flooding. Hurricane Milton’s projected path is currently right through the city.
The Independent’s Graig Graziosi has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/tampa-hurricane-milton-eye-first-time-b2625928.html
Meteorologist breaks down live on air over Hurricane Milton
18:16
James Liddell
A veteran news meteorologist visibly broke down live on air over Hurricane Milton, as the monster Category 4 storm charts a potentially deadly path towards Florida.
John Morales was reporting on the hurricane on NBC affiliate WTVJ on Monday, breaking down the magnitude of the storm which has come off the back of Hurricane Helene just two weeks earlier.
Madeline Sherratt has the full story.
Florida college football game rescheduled for Saturday afternoon
18:08
Julia Musto
The American Athletic Conference announced that a game between USF and Memphis at Raymond James Stadium has been pushed back from Friday to Saturday, due to Hurricane Milton.
Life-threatening storm surge forecast in Tampa Bay: Here’s what that looks like
18:00
Julia Musto
⚠️ Life-threatening storm surge is forecast in the #TampaBay area and #SWFL
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) October 8, 2024
Here’s an illustration of what this looks like
Heed all evacuation orders #flwx pic.twitter.com/qMhbY5wTAc
Pollutants can be in storm surge: What to know
17:50
Julia Musto
Storm surge water can have many pollutants in it and can cause diseases such as Vibrio. Avoid surge and flood waters at all costs, and if you do suffer an injury, seek immediate medical attention. https://t.co/9lV9lXZzIX pic.twitter.com/WKDoPEWcm7
— FL Health Pinellas (@HealthyPinellas) October 8, 2024
Watch: Eye of deadly Hurricane Milton shown in satellite video
17:45
James Liddell
Hundreds of flights delayed, canceled due to Milton
17:38
Julia Musto
Hundreds of flights were canceled and delayed early Tuesday afternoon ahead of Hurrricane Milton.
Nearly 200 of those are at Tampa International Airport, according to tracker FlightAware.com.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport are halting operations.
Florida counties under evacuation order are home to nearly 6M residents
17:34
Julia Musto
The 11 Florida counties under mandatory evacuation orders are home to about 5.9 million people, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Evacuation shuttles operate in these western Florida counties
17:33
Julia Musto
10/8: TODAY there are free evacuation shuttles operating in Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough counties helping residents reach shelters for #Milton.
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) October 8, 2024
➡️ You can find shuttle locations & times at https://t.co/nfDMe4HFPM under the Evacuation Assistance tab. https://t.co/KeV77ufQX9
Biden urges Floridians to ‘evacuate now, now, now’ as Category 4 Hurricane Milton approaches
17:29
Julia Musto
President Joe Biden warned Florida residents to heed evacuation orders and avoid being trapped as Hurricane Milton approaches the state, calling the storm potentially the worst to hit the Sunshine State in more than 100 years.
“If you’re under evacuation or orders, you should evacuate now, now, now. You should have already evacuated. It’s a matter of life and death,” he said while addressing reporters in the White House after receiving a briefing on preparations for the storm.
The Independent’s Andrew Feinberg has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/biden-hurricane-milton-update-b2625931.html
Biden says Milton ‘could be one of the worst storms in 100 years’ to hit Florida
17:27
Julia Musto
President Biden: "I'm cancelling my trip to Germany and Africa...we're going to stay focused on what's ahead of us right now...Hurricane Milton could be one of the worst storms in 100 years..." pic.twitter.com/csR5TVcAau
— CSPAN (@cspan) October 8, 2024
President Joe Biden told reporters Tuesday that Hurricane Milton could be “one of the worst storms in 100 years” to hit Florida.
The president postponed a trip to Germany and Angola this week because of the storm.
Biden said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has “gotten all that he needs” and has been cooperative.”
He said he told DeSantis, “You’re doing a great job” and “we thank you for it.”
With reporting from The Associated Press
What is it like being in a Category 5 hurricane?
17:15
James Liddell
A Category 5 hurricane like Milton is catastrophic for those in its path. But it’s hard to understand what it’s like inside until it hits.
The storm’s strength is measured by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranks hurricanes based on the sustained wind speed of the storm. A Category 5 decimates homes, leaving areas uninhabitable for weeks or months after it passes. Coming with maximum sustained winds of 157mph or higher, it tears roofs apart, shatters glass, and collapses walls, trees and power poles.
The Independents US Science and Climate Correspondent Julia Musto has the full story.
Monica Medina hits at Project 2025 plans for weather services: Trump plan is ‘as dangerous as these storms themselves'
17:09
Julia Musto
.@MonicaMedinaDC on Project 2025's call for the break up of weather and climate service:
— Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) October 8, 2024
"The Trump plan is as dangerous as these storms themselves... If we dismantle [the National Weather Service] we lose this one vital link to keeping ourselves safe." pic.twitter.com/9XpSAgQOxY
Monica Medina, the State Department’s former assistant secretary for ocean, environment, and science, took a swipe at Project 2025’s call for the break up of weather and climate service amid a busy Atlantic hurricane season.
“The Trump plan is as dangerous as these storms themselves ... If we dismantle [the National Weather Service] we lose this one vital link to keeping ourselves safe,” she told “Morning Joe” on Tuesday.
Milton is forecast to expand as it approaches Florida
17:00
Julia Musto
Hurricane #Milton Advisory 14: Milton Forecast to Retain Major Hurricane Status and Expand In Size While it Approaches the West Coast of Florida. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 8, 2024
What is happening at Tampa airport?
16:45
James Liddell
Tampa International Airport is the first major hub to be hit by Hurricane Milton.
Operations will be suspended from 9am ET today, with many flights to TPA canceled on Monday evening, with one Spirit Airlines flight from Chicago getting as far as the taxiway prior to take off before being called back.
All outbound flights from 9am local time have been canceled, though several flights due to take off in the following hour have been pre-poned (brought forward) to allow them to depart.
“TPA plans to resume services as soon as it is safe to do so later this week, but passengers should check with their airlines regarding flight schedules,” the airport said.
Milton to bring life-threatening flash flooding, major river flooding
16:42
Julia Musto
Here are the Tuesday 10 am CDT #Hurricane #Milton Key Messages - The latest full advisory is at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/rNlYvXT3XV
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 8, 2024
Vice President Harris on Milton, DeSantis response: ‘This one is gonna be different’
16:31
Julia Musto
Navarro: He'll take your call when you're president.
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 8, 2024
Kamala Harris: When I'm president I will continue to call him to see what he needs for help pic.twitter.com/BlNfaRN2yQ
“This one is gonna be different, and that’s why I called the governor about what Florida has received in terms of impact,” Vice President Kamala Harris told “The View” on Tuesday morning.
Can Hurricane Milton become a ‘Category 6’ storm – which doesn’t yet exist?
16:16
James Liddell
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.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton may gain more strength and grow in size, posing “even more danger” as it looks to make landfall in Florida by Wednesday evening, slamming into the densely populated Tampa Bay.
Stuti Mishra has more.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns residents that ‘time is running out’ to evacuate
16:07
Julia Musto
Gov. Ron DeSantis told Florida residents on Tuesday that “time is running out” ahead of Hurricane Milton.
“There’s no guarantee what the weather’s going to be like starting Wednesday morning,” he said during a press conference.
“You may have a window where it may be safe, but you may not,” he added. “So use today as your day to finalize and execute the plan that is going to protect you and your family.”
K-12 schools closed across 43 Florida counties ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall
15:45
James Liddell
K-12 schools across 43 of Florida’s 46 counties are set to close on Wednesday, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton making landfall on the state’s west coast.
Ten of those schools are expected to reopen on Thursday after the storm slams into Tampa on Wednesday night. Others remain closed for the rest f the week.
“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.
DeSantis and Harris get into a spat over hurricane relief: ‘It’s not about you Kamala!’
15:30
Julia Musto
Hurricane Milton bringing strong winds, rain to Mexico
15:20
Julia Musto
Mapped: Winds, rain, storm surge and flash floods
15:16
James Liddell
Holmes Beach Police Chief Tokajer: Milton will be a ‘punch in the gut'
15:00
Julia Musto
William Tokajer, the chief of police in Holmes Beach, said Tuesday that rapidly-approaching Hurricane Milton is going to be a “punch in the gut” for his community.
"This is devastating," he told FOX 13 Tampa. "It’s a punch in the gut for everybody out here that has been working so hard to rehab their houses and to get them ready so they can do reconstruction."
In photos: ‘Chompers’ the porcupine among animals moved to safety at Zoo Tampa
14:46
James Liddell
Utilities warn Florida residents of power outages that could affect millions
14:30
Julia Musto
TECO, Duke and Florida Power and Light said they have no doubt that at least some of their 2.3 million customers in the Tampa Bay area will lose power, according to FOX 13 Tampa.
“Customers should expect to have widespread and extended outages,” said Mary Lou Carn of TECO.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns residents now is the time to heed evacuation warnings
14:25
Julia Musto
As of this morning, Hurricane Milton is still a major Category 4 hurricane. While some weakening is possible before landfall, we expect Milton to be a strong and extremely dangerous storm when it reaches the west Florida tomorrow night or early Thursday morning.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 8, 2024
Heed all… pic.twitter.com/80Mch7NPvL
Florida’s east coast issued storm surge warnings
14:10
James Liddell
Hurricane #Milton Advisory 13A: Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings Issued For Portions of the East Coast of Florida. Residents in Florida Are Urged to Use Today to Prepare For Milton'S Arrival and Evacuate If Told to Do So By Local Officials. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 8, 2024
Should I evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall?
14:05
James Liddell
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management has charted a map of evacuation zones across the Sunshine State.
Residents may be led wondering whether leave their homes or stay put as Hurricane Milton barrels towards Tampa – which is due to make landfall on Wednesday evening. Evacuation orders have been issued to hundreds of thousands of Floridians.
“If you are in an evacuation zone that is ordered to evacuate by local authorities or in a flood zone, you should evacuate no matter what,” the agency advises in its website’s FAQ’s section.
The FDEM has collated a “Know Your Zone” list from local officials of areas and buildings that are most likely to be evacuated. Find out more, here.
Hurricane Milton could leave ‘indelible mark” on community
13:44
James Liddell
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrapped up his morning news conference by warning that Hurricane Milton could leave an “indelible mark” on the community.
“There are some hurricanes where it stinks we have to deal with it, but we pick up and move forward,” DeSantis said.
But looking at Minton’s wind speeds topping out at 180mph, the governor warns it may have a more long-lasting impact and “indelible mark” on communities it passes over.
“Let’s pray that it’s as weak as possible. But we are preparing for it to be as strong as possible,” he concluded.
‘Looters, you’ve got another thing coming,’ DeSantis warns
13:28
James Liddell
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned he will “throw the book” at looters if they try and take advantage of those evacuating ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall on Wednesday evening.
“This is not going to be an opportunity for folks to take advantage of people,” DeSantis warned. “If you think this is an opportunity to loot, you’ve got another thing coming.”
He added: “Do not try and take advantage of people who are suffering because of the results of the storm. We will be very swift across all levels of government to throw the book at people.”
DeSantsis announces giant Category 5 hurricane-resistant shelters
13:14
James Liddell
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced four Category 5 hurricane-resistant shelters, some of which can hold up to 10,000 residents.
These are to be located in Polk County, Hillsborough County and Pasco County, DeSantis said.
The governor added while there are initially four of these larger, more robust shelters, more could be announced.
Round-the-clock debris removal missions ongoing
13:10
James Liddell
“Debris removal missions” continue, Ron DeSantis announced in a Tuesday morning news briefing.
The Florida Governor yesterday warned of the dangers of debris scattered across streets after Hurricane Helene tore through the state less than two weeks ago.
DeSantis said he is leading a 24/7 clean-up mission – including “prying open” and cutting locks of landfill sites that had closed after the he called for them to stay open.
More 1,200 truckloads of debris – 22,000 cubic yards – have been removed from hard-hit areas, according to DeSantis.
Meanwhile, 37,000 lineman are said to be either in or en route to Florida (some hailing from as far afield as California), ahead of potential blackouts.