Hurricane Milton live updates: Thousands evacuate as Florida braces for monster Category 5 storm

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and state officials pleaded with residents to evacuate ahead of Wednesday’s projected landfall

Meteorologist fights back tears as he gives updates on ‘life threatening’ Hurricane Milton

Milton restrengthened into a Category 5 hurricane late Tuesday afternoon as it moved toward western Florida.

Governor Ron DeSantis warned the state’s residents 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'

[8 October 2024 13:10 · James Liddell]

Round-the-clock debris removal missions ongoing

“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.