Central Florida Braces for Impact as Hurricane Milton Approaches

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 cyclone, approaches Florida’s west coast, Central Florida is preparing for potentially catastrophic impacts. Meteorologists warn of severe weather threats, including intense winds, heavy rains, and possible flash flooding. Statewide, efforts are underway to brace for the powerful storm expected to make landfall by Thursday morning.

Tropical advisories have been issued for numerous counties, including Marion, Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola, Polk, Sumter, Flagler, Volusia, and Brevard. Coastal counties such as Flagler and Volusia are under storm surge advisories, alerting residents to the possibility of dangerously high water levels.

Local officials have been coordinating evacuations since Monday. According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton could potentially become one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida. A mass evacuation is underway, marking the largest since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties in preparation for Milton’s landfall.

Preparations have included opening highway shoulders for evacuations and suspending toll fees to expedite the process. The Florida National Guard has mobilized 5,000 troops, with an additional 3,000 anticipated to provide assistance. Many residents have taken advantage of a state partnership with Uber, offering free rides to and from shelters.

Hurricane Milton is projected to bring wind speeds exceeding 100 mph at its core, with possible storm surges along the Atlantic coast from the Space Coast to the First Coast. Post-landfall, Milton is expected to maintain hurricane strength as it moves across the state, affecting regions like Orlando and St. Lucie up to Ponte Vedra Beach with strong winds and rain.

In anticipation of the storm, commercial flights have been suspended at major airports including Orlando International Airport, and other airports in the region will follow suit. Schools and universities have closed, and popular attractions such as Disney Parks, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center have also shuttered to ensure public safety.

Fox Weather’s Bryan Norcross emphasized the severity of Milton, urging residents not to underestimate the hurricane. “Despite past experiences with hurricanes, nothing recently compares to the potential devastation of this storm,” he warned. As Floridians make last-minute preparations, officials remind them to heed evacuation orders and stay updated through local news channels such as WESH 2‘s continuous coverage.