Hurricane Milton evacuation zones announced as Florida braces for Category 5

Just over a week after Hurricane Helene severely damaged several Southeast communities, Florida is urgently preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, which has escalated into a Category 5 storm as it nears the state's west coast. Authorities are pressing residents in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasizing the importance of swift action.

Governor DeSantis stressed the urgency, stating, "Time is going to start running out very, very soon," during a news conference. As reported byABC News, Kevin Guthrie, executive director of Florida Emergency Management, highlighted the dangers, noting, "Drowning deaths due to storm surge are 100% preventable if you leave." Medical professionals and local authorities echo the call, focusing on minimizing storm-related casualties.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been set for numerous counties along Florida's west coast, including Charlotte, Citrus, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota. Voluntary evacuation orders are in place for Glades and Okeechobee counties. Residents can find detailed evacuation instructions on Florida's Division of Emergency Management website.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center Director, Michael Brennan, advised residents in affected zones to "leave by your local officials" if directed, adding, "You don't have to drive hundreds of miles to get to a safe place, often just tens of miles to get inland."ABC News also reports emergency preparations include assembling disaster kits with essential supplies like nonperishable food, water, and medicine.

With severe flooding and an unprecedented storm surge expected, President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration to facilitate federal support for state and local response efforts. Transportation networks are bracing for impact, with Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport announcing closures starting Tuesday morning. The University of Florida has canceled classes until Friday in response to the approaching storm.