As Hurricane Milton intensified to Category 5 status on October 8, 2024, it is poised to make landfall on Florida's west-central coast on Wednesday night. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported maximum sustained winds reaching 165 mph, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency measures across the region.
Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents to heed evacuation orders, emphasizing the severe risks posed by the storm. With conditions expected to worsen, over 1,500 flights have already been canceled, and fuel shortages have hit gas stations in the Tampa Bay area, complicating evacuation efforts. Reports indicate that nearly 100 gas stations in the region are out of fuel as residents flee.
The NHC cautioned that while Milton's wind field may expand, it is still likely to cause destructive winds, life-threatening storm surges, and heavy rainfall far beyond the immediate impact zone. NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick captured stunning images of the hurricane from the International Space Station, showcasing its vast reach across the Gulf of Mexico.
As Florida braces for the impact, major attractions like Walt Disney World announced closures, further underscoring the storm's potential to disrupt daily life. The NHC continues to monitor the situation, advising residents to prepare for severe weather conditions and to follow local authorities' instructions.