As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, evacuation orders have been issued across several counties, particularly in the Tampa Bay area.
The storm has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, prompting serious concerns about its potential impact. Evacuations are mandatory in areas like Hillsborough County, where residents in zones A and B, along with all mobile homes, must evacuate.
Several shelters are open to accommodate evacuees, including Burnett Middle School and Middleton High School, which are pet-friendly.
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 of Florida’s counties, while President Biden approved additional emergency measures.
Traffic has been heavy as residents evacuate, and many airports, including Orlando International and Tampa International, are suspending operations.
Authorities have urged residents to leave if they are in evacuation zones, as the storm is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall.
For the latest updates, including evacuation routes and shelter locations, you can refer to official state resources and local news outlets.