Tropical Storm Milton, expected to intensify into a dangerous hurricane, is set to impact Florida’s west coast this week, prompting state officials to prepare for what could be the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Kevin Guthrie, Director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, urged residents to act quickly, “I highly encourage you to evacuate for the largest evacuation that we have seen most likely since 2017 Hurricane Irma.”
As Milton strengthens into a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts landfall near Tampa as a Category 3 storm. Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross warned, “The bottom line is we do have the potential for a significant, problematic, impactful storm.”
With life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rain expected, the NHC emphasized, “An intense hurricane with multiple life-threatening hazards is likely to affect the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.”
Governor Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency for numerous counties in preparation for the storm.
Milton follows two hurricanes this season—Debby and Helene—and could bring rainfall totals of 5–8 inches across central and southern Florida, with potential for localized flooding. Coastal areas will face increased rip currents and erosion, with rough seas continuing into next week.
While Milton is not expected to move up through the Southeast like Hurricane Helene, its outer bands could still affect parts of Georgia and South Carolina.
The state remains on high alert, and Floridians are urged to stay informed and prepared as this dangerous storm approaches.
