Photo credit: www.yahoo.com

Hurricane Milton: Live Updates and Safety Measures for Florida Residents

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, it is crucial for residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This article provides live updates on the storm’s progress and critical information for those in the affected areas.

Bookmark this page and refresh regularly for the latest updates.

For real-time meteorological insights, follow Action News Jax’s meteorologists on Twitter:

Mike Buresh |
Garrett Bedenbaugh |
Corey Simma |
Trevor Gibbs

Latest Updates

11:22 p.m. Wednesday: A portion of the roof at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg has been significantly damaged, although no injuries have been reported. Additionally, a crane collapsed at a nearby construction site, also with no injuries.

St. Petersburg officials have confirmed the damage and are urging the public to shelter in place and avoid the affected areas.

10:05 p.m. Wednesday: Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 mph.

10:01 p.m. Wednesday: Nassau County Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order due to increasing storm surge projections that threaten homes along the coast during high tide.

The evacuation zones include:

• Zone A: Egan’s Creek Area, Crane Island, Long Point, and several streets around River Crossing Way.
• Zone D: Piney Island, Marsh Lakes, and various areas around Brady Point and Oyster Bay.

A shelter is set up at Wildlight Elementary located at 550 Curiosity Ave, Yulee, FL 32097.

8:45 p.m. Wednesday: The National Hurricane Center confirms Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane.

8:00 p.m. Wednesday: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reported there have been 116 tornado warnings across the state, with 19 confirmed tornado occurrences.

6:30 p.m. Wednesday: In Jacksonville, Mayor Donna Deegan stated there is still capacity in the city’s shelters, which are currently at about 22-27% occupancy with 614 individuals seeking refuge.

5:00 p.m. Wednesday: Power outages have surged, exceeding 250,000 across the state as the storm approaches.

12:30 p.m. Wednesday: Jacksonville’s Main Street Bridge has been closed to ensure safety during the storm.

8:10 a.m. Wednesday: Mandatory evacuations are in effect for St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach. Evacuation shelters have opened to accommodate residents needing refuge. Specific locations include:

• 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.

Safety Measures and Precautions

Residents are strongly advised to monitor local emergency management announcements and heed evacuation orders. Preparations should include securing property, stocking up on supplies, and knowing evacuation routes. The situation is evolving rapidly, emphasizing the need for vigilance and community support.

Stay informed through local news channels and emergency services for the latest developments regarding Hurricane Milton.

Source
www.yahoo.com