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Traffic congestion has intensified on Florida’s I-4 and I-75 highways as residents flee Tampa and surrounding areas ahead of Hurricane Milton. Bumper to bumper, thousands of cars are trying to flee as the Category 5 storm makes its way into the Gulf Coast. As the state prepares for impact, mandatory evacuations have been implemented throughout portions of Florida's west coast.
I-4 and I-75 are backed up from people trying to evacuate due to Hurricane Milton. I don't want to hear in the aftermath. "Why didn't they leave?" People are trying to. You don't want to get stuck on the interstate during a hurricane. pic.twitter.com/DsaKiN8jre
— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) October 7, 2024
State of Emergency Declared for 51 Counties
A state of emergency has been proclaimed in fifty-one Florida counties by Governor Ron DeSantis. Executive Order 24-215 was issued by the governor, revising the earlier emergency proclamation to add more regions under high alert. In an effort to promote a quick and safe evacuation, this extended order includes steps to suspend tolls on important evacuation routes throughout Central and West Florida, including Alligator Alley.
Hurricane Milton to Reach Peak Intensity by Tuesday
With maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, Hurricane Milton was situated 720 miles southwest of Tampa as of 11 a.m. ET. It is anticipated that the storm will strengthen much more on Tuesday and that by Wednesday night, it will have reached landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Florida's Gulf Coast. The storm's magnitude and power, according to meteorologists, offer a major risk of strong winds, heavy rain, and potentially catastrophic storm surges.
Tolls Suspended to Assist Evacuation Efforts
Along with Secretary Jared Perdue of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and other state representatives, Governor DeSantis said that tolls will be removed from major evacuation routes. This suspension will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 7 and last for seven days. The suspension of tolls will last until October 14; but, depending on how the storm develops, it may be extended.
“At my direction, tolls are suspended today as of 10:30 a.m.,” said Governor DeSantis. “With evacuation orders imminent, this will help keep traffic moving and ease the burden for evacuees ahead of Hurricane Milton.”
Critical Shortages Reported as Residents Prepare
There is a lack of gasoline at gas stations around Florida as Hurricane Milton's route becomes more apparent, forcing many evacuees to look elsewhere for fuel. There are also reports that plywood supplies are running low as homeowners prepare their houses for potential wind damage. The logistical difficulties Florida experiences in recovering from Hurricane Helene, which hit just weeks ago, are highlighted by these shortages.
Flood Watches and Tornado Risks
There are flood warnings in place for the whole Florida Peninsula, which is home to over 15 million people. In addition, until Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 million individuals are still at danger of tropical tornadoes. The intense rainfall that Milton is expected to deliver may cause flash floods and exacerbate the already clogged evacuation routes, according to weather forecasters.
Preparedness and Coordination Efforts Intensify
Governor DeSantis was joined at the State Emergency Operations Center by Major General John D. Haas, Florida's adjutant general, and Executive Director Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management to discuss continued readiness efforts. As the storm approaches, the team asked people to prioritize safety and stressed the need of following the instructions of the local authorities.
FDOT Secretary Perdue assured residents, “The Department is committed to ensuring motorists can evacuate quickly and safely. Suspending tolls across the central and west parts of the state and Alligator Alley provides families with additional options to avoid the storm’s direct path.”
Expected Landfall and Impact Timeline
It is anticipated that Hurricane Milton will make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday between 6 p.m. and midnight. Even if it is predicted to mellow a little before making landfall, the storm still poses a serious threat to the area, especially in places that are still recuperating from Hurricane Helene. All locals are being urged by the Florida Turnpike Enterprise and FDOT to use FL511.com to stay up to date on traffic conditions and potential road closures.
Florida's reaction is characterized by intensive cooperation, quick mobilization, and measures to lessen the problems posed by Hurricane Milton, with evacuation orders in place and a potentially catastrophic hurricane approaching. As the storm approaches, residents are asked to keep informed, follow evacuation orders, and take all necessary measures.