Florida Residents Urged to Prepare as Hurricane Milton Strengthens to Category 5 Storm

As the state of Florida gears up for the impact of Hurricane Milton, it is crucial for residents to prioritize their safety and that of their families. The storm, now categorized as a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 165 mph and a pressure of 918 mb, is heading east northeast at a speed of 9 miles per hour. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and issuing timely updates to keep the public informed.

Mandatory evacuations in effect to ensure public safety

In light of the hurricane's projected path, St. Johns County has implemented mandatory evacuation orders for the entire City of St. Augustine, effective from 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9. Emergency shelters are set to open at the same time to provide refuge for displaced residents. Additionally, mandatory evacuation orders have been extended to Zones A (along coastal and river areas), B, and F (South of State Road 206) in St. Johns County, commencing at 8 a.m. on the same day.

Evacuation shelters designated for residents in need

To facilitate the evacuation process, three storm shelters will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, to accommodate evacuees. The designated locations are: Special Medical Needs: Freedom Crossing Academy, 1365 Shetland Drive, St. Johns
Pet Friendly: South Woods Elementary School, 4750 State Road 206 West, Elkton
General Population: Pedro Menendez High School, 600 State Road 206 West, St. Augustine

Residents urged to stay informed and seek assistance

For comprehensive evacuation information, including route maps and updates, residents are encouraged to visit www.sjcfl.us/hurricane or contact the Citizen Information Hotline at 904-824-5550.

Florida National Guard activated to support response efforts

In a proactive measure, the Florida National Guard (FLNG) has been fully activated to assist with the state's response efforts. Governor Ron DeSantis authorized this activation to ensure a coordinated and immediate response once the storm makes landfall. Liaison Officers have been strategically positioned in 20 counties to coordinate mission requirements, and the FLNG is poised to execute 43 mission requests, demonstrating their readiness to respond to the situation effectively.

The Guard has also pre-positioned essential assets, including 12 rotary aircraft, 13 boats, and 440 high-wheeled tactical vehicles, to facilitate swift response actions.

Precautions and warnings issued for local areas

As the storm approaches, hurricane warnings have been issued for St. Johns and Putnam counties, while Duval, Nassau, and Clay counties are under tropical storm warnings and a Hurricane Watch. Storm Surge Warnings have also been issued for Northeast Florida and the St. Johns River, further highlighting the potential impact of the impending hurricane.

Governor Ron DeSantis addresses the public on hurricane preparations

In response to the ongoing situation, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Tallahassee to provide updates on Hurricane Milton. As the storm retains its status as a category 4 hurricane in the Southern Gulf of Mexico, authorities anticipate a potential upgrade back to a category 5 later in the day. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and heed official instructions to mitigate risks associated with the approaching storm.