REAKING: MILTON NEARS LANDFALL Hurricane Milton's Approach in Critical Hour Weather | 1 MIN AGO

Officials have warned the storm is expected to be catastrophic and deadly.

Tornadoes are beginning to form as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast. Though downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, emergency officials emphasize that conditions remain life-threatening, with tornadic activity, destructive winds, and storm surges predicted to reach up to 12 feet.

Live Radar: When Will Hurricane Milton Hit Florida?

6 MINS AGOResidents across Florida are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton’s path. Moving at 10 mph, the storm is expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay later tonight. Its slower pace has raised concerns, allowing more time for storm surge buildup and heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and extended tornado threats.

Breaking News: Governor DeSantis Prepares Florida for Hurricane Milton

By TNW News - Breaking News Staff | Updated October 9, 2024, Wednesday 6:14 PM CDT

Governor Ron DeSantis continues to lead the state’s hurricane response efforts, visiting logistics staging areas in Lake City earlier today. More than 50,000 linemen are pre-positioned to address power outages, and state and local emergency teams are fully deployed. “We pray for their safety as they do their jobs,” Governor DeSantis remarked, praising the rapid response efforts.

Major Theme Parks Close Ahead of the Storm

In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Florida’s largest theme parks—Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando—have temporarily closed. Walt Disney World ended operations at 1 p.m., with other parks following soon after. Events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Halloween Horror Nights have been canceled. Reopening dates will be determined following post-storm safety assessments.

Hurricane Milton's Projected Path and Potential Impacts

Though Milton has been downgraded to Category 3, the storm remains extremely dangerous with sustained winds of 125 mph. The storm is expected to bring significant flooding, wind damage, and tornado activity to Florida’s west coast, especially near the Tampa Bay area. Storm surges as high as 12 feet are likely, making this a deadly storm for millions in its path.

Evacuation Warnings and Preparation Efforts

Led by Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, state officials continue to issue evacuation warnings for at-risk zones. Nassau, Clay, and other counties are under mandatory evacuation orders. Residents in flood-prone areas should evacuate immediately, as Hurricane Milton’s outer bands will soon make conditions dangerous for travel.

TNW News Hurricane Coverage and Safety Tips

TNW News, under the direction of Hurricane Operations Division Chief Todd Nardone, is offering live updates on Hurricane Milton across TNWWeather.com, X, Threads, and Instagram. Residents are strongly advised to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and prepare for the storm’s arrival.

Final Preparations

As Hurricane Milton nears landfall, residents are urged to finalize preparations and secure their homes. For evacuation routes, use the Know Your Zone tool, and visit FloridaDisaster.org for additional safety information.

Stay connected with TNW News for the latest updates as Hurricane Milton approaches.

TNW News – Keeping You Safe, Keeping You Informed Updated: October 9, 2024, 8:03 PM CDT