Miami is now under a state of emergency, a measure announced by Mayor Francis Suárez on Saturday in response to the looming threat posed by Hurricane Milton. This rapidly intensifying storm has prompted several other southern Florida cities to adopt similar precautions to safeguard their residents from potential flooding and damage caused by heavy rains.
In response to the emergency declaration, Miami and the surrounding region have organized a series of events to distribute sandbags, aiming to help residents protect their properties. By Saturday morning, parts of Hollywood were already experiencing street flooding, leading to the closure of several roads, particularly around Sheridan Street. Other areas, including Miami Gardens, Homestead, and Hallandale Beach, have followed suit, declaring states of emergency and organizing sandbag distribution events for the populace.
Taking Precautions in Miami and Beyond
Residents throughout Miami are taking all necessary precautions to mitigate the impacts of Milton. Authorities have urged the community to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines, such as slowing down when driving in heavy rain. In Miami Beach, although a state of emergency hasn't been declared, preventive measures include allowing residents to park for free in public garages and distributing sandbags. The flood warning remains in effect until Thursday as the region braces for more rain and wind.
Hurricane Milton Raises Concerns in Cuba and Florida
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Sunday that Tropical Storm Milton had escalated to hurricane status, with conditions favorable for further strengthening. In an advisory update, the NHC stated, “Air Force hurricane hunters find Milton rapidly intensifying into a hurricane.” Meteorologists identified areas of interest including Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys, and the northwest Bahamas, advising these regions to closely monitor the storm's progress.
Additionally, the NHC noted the possibility of issuing hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of Florida later in the day. The developing weather situation prompted Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency across 35 Florida counties, including Miami-Dade.
“As Tropical Storm Milton continues to strengthen in the Gulf, I have issued Executive Order 24-214 ahead of its potential landfall on Florida’s west coast this week. This Executive Order declares a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties,” Governor DeSantis announced on his social media platform on Saturday.
“As many are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, I have directed the coordination of all available personnel and resources to support local communities as they expedite debris removal in affected areas. We will continue deploying state resources to ensure efficient search and rescue operations, restore power supply, and clear roadways,” he elaborated.
The counties under the emergency order include: Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.
Governor DeSantis’ order reiterated that the tropical storm originated in the Gulf of Mexico, with rapid intensification expected to continue until it makes landfall as a hurricane on Florida’s west coast in the coming days.