Residents Brace for Hurricane Milton’s Impact Across Florida

Buffalo, N.Y. – The choice between staying put or evacuating has been a challenging decision for millions as Hurricane Milton makes its menacing advance toward Florida. The cyclone is being described by meteorologists as a potentially historic storm with immense destructive power.

Sally Durwald, a resident near Tampa in New Port Richey, has opted to remain at her home with her husband as they brace for the hurricane. Speaking to WBEN, Durwald shared insights on her situation, “We’re about nine miles inland. We’re in Zone D, which is not under mandatory evacuation.”

The Durwalds’ home, built according to heightened construction standards implemented after Hurricane Andrew, is designed to withstand up to 150 mph winds, with the roof able to endure gusts of up to 185 mph. “We’re pretty confident we’re in a good area,” Durwald stated.

Durwald, originally from Lancaster near Buffalo, noted that her experience with blizzards has proved useful in hurricane preparations. “The difference with a hurricane is that there is so much advance warning,” she explained. Equipped with a generator, hurricane shutters, and ample supplies, the Durwalds are prepared to shelter friends from the coastal city of Bradenton.

Meanwhile, other residents have chosen a different path. Darryl Betler and his wife, formerly of Naperville, Illinois, relocated to Apollo Beach, south of Tampa, over a year ago. They made the difficult decision to evacuate and spent over ten hours traveling to Savannah, Georgia, to escape Hurricane Milton’s potentially devastating impact.

The Betlers have faced significant weather challenges within a short period, including Hurricanes Debby and Helene. Despite the ordeal, Darryl Betler expressed no regret about his move to Florida, although his wife preferred blizzard conditions over the emotional turmoil induced by the hurricane threat. “We literally have to leave,” he recounted his decision to FOX 32, adding that their priority has always been ensuring safety amid the chaos.

Hurricane Milton, anticipated to make landfall as a Category 3 storm, threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast with dangerous storm surges and strong winds. Authorities and residents alike continue to monitor the situation closely as they prepare for what has been dubbed potentially the “Storm of the Century.”