As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida, Canadians are being strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to the region, with severe weather conditions expected to impact both the state’s west and east coasts. The Canadian government issued a travel advisory on Tuesday, urging caution for those in the affected areas, including Tampa Bay, Lake Okeechobee, and parts of the Florida peninsula, as the powerful storm approaches.
Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall late Wednesday, could bring catastrophic weather conditions, including violent winds of up to 145 mph (230 km/h), torrential rain, and towering storm surges. The storm is forecasted to bring flash flooding, power outages, and disruptions to essential services such as water, food supply, transportation, and emergency care. The storm is on track to hit Tampa Bay directly, an area that has not been struck by a major hurricane since 1921.
Canadians already in Florida have been urged by officials to closely monitor local news and weather updates while following the instructions of local authorities. “Hurricane Milton is expected to sweep across various locations on Florida’s west and east coasts between October 8 and 9, 2024,” the Canadian advisory reads. The warning includes areas from Chokoloskee to the Suwannee River on the west coast, as well as St. Lucie and Indian River on the east coast.
Evacuations and Preparations Underway in Florida
Tampa International Airport halted flight operations on Tuesday morning, with officials stating that the airport would reopen once it is deemed safe. Authorities have urged travelers to check directly with airlines for updates, while making it clear that the airport is not a suitable shelter for either people or vehicles during the storm.
As Hurricane Milton looms, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already ordered evacuations for areas along the Tampa Bay coastline and for all mobile and manufactured homes by Tuesday night. Evacuation orders are aimed at ensuring the safety of residents who could face the full force of Milton’s powerful winds and storm surges. “You do not have to get on the interstate and go far away,” DeSantis said at a news briefing. “You can evacuate tens of miles; you do not have to evacuate hundreds of miles away. You do have options.”
The United States National Weather Service (NWS) has also warned that the storm surge, expected to reach 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in some areas, could travel far inland through rivers, canals, and creeks, posing risks even to residents away from the immediate coastline.
Milton’s arrival comes at a time when Florida is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene, which struck just 12 days ago. While Helene’s eye remained offshore, it caused significant flooding along parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast and left behind a trail of debris, much of which remains uncleared. Governor DeSantis has deployed over 300 dump trucks to clear 1,200 loads of debris, warning that any remaining wreckage could become dangerous projectiles once Milton’s winds hit.
Tampa Bay Prepares for First Direct Hit in a Century
The Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million people, is facing its first direct hurricane threat in over a century. Lifeguards in the region have been removing beach chairs and other loose items from the peninsula in preparation for the storm, while residents have been urged to secure their homes. Evacuation orders have been issued for the vulnerable barrier islands along the Gulf Coast, where the most severe storm surges are expected.
Although Milton weakened slightly on Tuesday, downgrading from a Category 5 to a Category 4 hurricane, the National Hurricane Center has emphasized that it still poses “an extremely serious threat to Florida.” Milton’s rapid intensification on Monday, reaching maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 km/h), made it one of the most dangerous storms to approach Florida in recent years. It is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane as it moves across central Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean, with rainfall totals of up to 18 inches (46 cm) expected in some areas.
Florida and U.S. Federal Government Mobilize for Storm Response
President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration for Florida, allowing federal resources to be mobilized in anticipation of the storm’s landfall. U.S. Representative Kathy Castor stated that over 7,000 federal workers have been activated to support the hurricane response, one of the largest federal mobilizations in recent history.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warned residents not to underestimate the storm, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the threat. “This is the real deal here with Milton,” Castor said at a news conference on Monday. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100 per cent of the time.”
Canadians in Florida Urged to Stay Informed
For Canadians already in Florida, the Canadian government has issued strong advisories, urging them to follow local news closely and heed evacuation orders. Those in the affected regions have been asked to monitor local authorities’ updates, secure essential supplies, and prepare for prolonged disruptions to services. With Tampa Bay preparing for its first direct hurricane strike in over 100 years, the situation remains dire, and officials have urged any Canadians in the area to act quickly to ensure their safety.
As Florida braces for Hurricane Milton’s landfall, the Canadian government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to those impacted. Canadians planning to travel to Florida in the coming days are strongly advised to postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve.