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Hurricane Milton live updates: 'Storm of the century' is expected to make landfall in Florida this evening

Hurricane Milton live updates: 'Storm of the century' is expected to make landfall in Florida this evening

Hurricane Hunters aircraft experiences major turbulence while flying through Hurricane Milton

Florida residents exposed to Hurricane Milton have received a final emergency alert urging them to “GET OUT NOW” before the storm makes landfall Wednesday evening.

As Milton's intensity continues to fluctuate and weakens again to a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center predicts it will be “one of the most destructive hurricanes ever for West Central Florida.”

The storm's magnitude continues to increase and winds are expected to increase along Florida's west coast this afternoon, the NHC warned.

In Pinellas County's latest emergency warning, officials urged residents to “GET OUT NOW. This is your last chance to get out before the storm.”

Federal and state officials urged those in Milton's path to evacuate to avoid “catastrophic” winds, up to 18 inches of rain and storm surges up to 15 feet high before the major hurricane hits Florida's central west coast.

“This is the 11th hour. If you are in an evacuation zone, now is the time to get out,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chard Chronister told CNN on Wednesday.

Vice President Kamala Harris warned that even Florida's toughest residents would not survive the “historic” hurricane, she said The Late Show on Tuesday evening.

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Tampa authorities are urging evacuated residents not to leave any pets behind

Mike BediganOctober 9, 2024 6:15 p.m

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Watch Live: Biden and Harris get the latest updates on Hurricane Milton

Mike BediganOctober 9, 2024 6:00 p.m

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Biden accuses Trump of leading the “onslaught” of lies and disinformation about the hurricane

Joe Biden has criticized Donald Trump for leading an “onslaught of lies” and promoting “disinformation” about recovery and aid ahead of the approaching Hurricane Milton.

“In recent weeks there has been a reckless, irresponsible and relentless promotion of disinformation and outright lies that are disturbing to people,” Biden said in a televised statement on Wednesday.

“It undermines trust in the incredible rescue and recovery work being done…it is damaging to those who need help most.”

He added: “There’s just no room for it. Because President Trump has led the onslaught of lies. Claims have been made that property has been confiscated…that is simply not true…You are saying that money for this crisis is being diverted to migrants, what a ridiculous statement.”

Biden also mentioned Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and her bizarre claim that Democrats are “controlling the weather.” “It has to stop,” he said. “In moments like these, there are no red states or blue states, there is the United States of America.”

Mike BediganOctober 9, 2024 5:55 p.m

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Nearly two-thirds of Tampa area gas stations are empty as millions of people flee Hurricane Milton

Florida residents described a “mad scramble to get gas” as millions of people across the state were evacuated ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall later today.

Many who have left the area in recent days have been affected by heavy traffic and other travel issues.

Mike BediganOctober 9, 2024 5:45 p.m

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Hurricane Mitlon's path was tracked from Wednesday's landfall through the weekend

The National Hurricane Center's map shows Milton's expected path over the coming days through the weekend
The National Hurricane Center's map shows Milton's expected path over the coming days through the weekend (NHC)

James LiddellOctober 9, 2024 5:29 p.m

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Texas Mayor Proposes Nuclear Bomb for Hurricane Milton: 'It May Save More Than It Hurt'

A Texas mayor proposed an unusual solution to stopping Hurricane Milton before it makes landfall: by bombarding it with nuclear weapons.

Bobby Lindamood, the mayor of Colleyville, shared the bizarre idea with his network on Facebook.

“Given the level of destruction that the next hurricane will bring, it's time to throw a simi nu/ke bo//mb (minus the radiation) on this guy and see if we can stop the rotation . It can save more than harm,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Just contributing thoughts and ideas. This is going to be bad,” he wrote on Facebook.

According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, that won't work.

According to NOAA, hurricanes generate far more energy than even the largest nuclear bombs. In fact, a fully developed hurricane releases the energy of a 10-megaton bomb every 20 minutes. Therefore, even a nuclear explosion would have little impact on the storm's power.

Worse, the radioactive fallout could be carried by the wind and spread contamination over a vast area.

Lindamood told The Independent that his findings were merely an “expression of deep concern” for those who came in Milton’s way.

“After seeing the mass destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, I have compassion for all people who may be affected by one of the largest hurricanes in history,” he said.

“My post was simply an expression of deep concern for Florida and the surrounding states that will be affected. My comments were intended to reflect a desire to use all available resources to protect American citizens, rather than a literal suggestion.”

James LiddellOctober 9, 2024 5:00 p.m

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Huge tornado sweeps through Hendry County as residents urged to 'seek shelter NOW'

James LiddellOctober 9, 2024 4:45 p.m

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Watch: National Weather Service Tampa Bay shares safety tips for Hurricane Milton

NWS Tampa Bay provides safety tips for Hurricane Milton

James LiddellOctober 9, 2024 4:30 p.m

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Photos show a tornado barreling across busy I-75

James LiddellOctober 9, 2024 4:20 p.m

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“We are hurricane hunters!” Florida resident reveals why he is not evacuating despite mandatory orders

A Florida resident has revealed the reason why he decided not to evacuate despite a mandatory order from his county.

Millions of Floridians have been issued evacuation orders ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall on the state's central west coast Wednesday evening. By Thursday afternoon, the storm will move toward the east coast across the Atlantic.

Dave Carol of Vilano Beach, St. Johns County, has decided to stay put despite a mandatory evacuation order for the county.

“We are hurricane hunters!” Dave Carroll told Action News Jax.

“And we know we’re originally from Fort Lauderdale. It's just Asheville, they're not prepared for that. This area is prepared and I think it will be, the main thing is the flooding.”

He added: “Our house has never flooded here and we are not in a flood zone.”

James LiddellOctober 9, 2024 4:10 p.m

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