DeSantis Declares State of Emergency for 35 Florida Counties Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Milton's Cone Extends from Perry to the Everglades as Storm Intensifies

Author: TNW News Breaking Staff Published: 5:50 PM EDT October 5, 2024 Updated: 6:15 PM EDT October 5, 2024

TNWWeather.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 counties in advance of Hurricane Milton’s anticipated landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This decision comes as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its first advisory for the storm on Saturday morning. By 2 p.m., Milton had strengthened into a tropical storm and is projected to become a major Category 3 hurricane before reaching the Florida coastline next week.

The counties under the state of emergency include Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.

As of Saturday evening, the storm’s projected path places the center of its cone of uncertainty over the Tampa Bay region. However, the cone stretches as far north as Perry and as far south as the Everglades, indicating the potential for a broad impact zone. It is important to note that the NHC cone shows where the center of the hurricane could track but does not reflect the full scope of the storm's hazards, including wind, rain, and storm surge.

For residents along Florida's east coast and other impacted areas, particularly those within the emergency-declared counties, the primary threat may not be direct hurricane conditions. Instead, a nor’easter is expected to form ahead of and during Milton’s approach. This system will bring several days of strong onshore winds, increasing the risk of dangerous surf, rip currents, and tidal flooding, especially during high tides. Coastal communities should remain vigilant, as flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

TNW News and the Hurricane Division, led by Chief Todd Nardone, will continue to monitor Milton’s progression closely. Stay tuned to TNWWeather.com and our social media channels for real-time updates and preparedness tips as the storm intensifies. Residents are urged to review their hurricane plans and make necessary preparations well ahead of the storm's arrival.