Evacuation orders are a matter of “life or death”, Biden says as Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton’s landfall

Despite weakening to a Category 4 hurricane overnight, Hurricane Milton is still forecast to be one of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida’s history, when it makes landfall this evening (Oct.9).

Government officials, including President Joe Biden, are urging Florida residents in the storm’s path to evacuate immediately.

“I urge everyone in Hurricane Milton’s path to listen to local officials and follow all safety instructions. If you are under evacuation orders you should evacuate now while it is still safe to do so. It is a matter of life and death,” Biden wrote in a post on X dated Oct. 8.

Evacuation orders increased

As of Oct. 9, evacuation orders are now in effect for 31 Florida counties, including 14 of which are mandatory. This is an increase of 13 counties from yesterday’s number, which listed 18.

As of 8 a.m. CDT, Milton’s devastating hurricane-force winds have increased to 155 mph, and will begin to increase along the west coast of Florida by this afternoon. “Preparations, including evacuation, if told to do so, should be rushed to completion this morning,” the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports. Since Oct. 7, Hurricane Milton’s strength has fluctuated drastically, going from a Category 3 storm to a Category 5 in just 48 hours, though it’s expected to remain a Category 4 into this evening.

A large area of destructive storm surge, with highest inundations of 10 ft. or greater, is expected along a portion of the west-central coast of the Florida peninsula. Now classified as a life-threatening situation, the NHC is urging anyone in the Storm Surge warning area to evacuate immediately.

Milton is forecast to remain a hurricane as it crosses the Florida peninsula and life-threatening winds are to be expected to spread inland. Heavy rainfall throughout the peninsula through Thursday (Oct. 10) is anticipated to bring life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with moderate to major river flooding.

Statewide closures now in effect

In response to Hurricane Milton, several federal and municipal buildings and organizations have suspended their operations, citing the safety of workers and property.

The Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) have ceased commercial and private operations as of today (Oct. 9), however, the airport remains open to accept emergency/aid and relief flights as necessary.

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that three of its parks—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk—will remain open until 2 p.m. today (Oct. 9), but be closed on Oct. 10. SeaWorld is also closed s of today, and will reopen on Oct. 11.

Effective today (Oct.9), 147 state parks in Florida are now closed, including some with overnight accommodations. For a full list of reopening dates and updates, click here.

The Florida Department of Transportation has also suspended select routes and roadways in advance of Hurricane Milton. Tolls have been suspended across Central Florida and West Florida, as well as Alligator Alley and 595 Express. See a list of impacted toll facilities here.

This is a developing story. For more safety information from VISIT FLORIDA, click here.