Several Florida ports closed on Tuesday in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is projected to make landfall in west-central Florida as a Category 4 storm on Wednesday night. Despite being downgraded from a Category 5, the storm is still exhibiting wind speeds of 150 mph. Rainfall is expected to range from 5 to 18 inches, posing significant risks of life-threatening flooding and river overflow across the state.
The National Weather Service has labeled Milton as potentially one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for the region, emphasizing the urgency of evacuation orders. Officials, including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, have warned residents that ignoring these warnings could have fatal consequences.
Ports in Tampa Bay, Manatee, Key West, Fort Myers, and St. Petersburg are now closed, while others in Fort Pierce, Miami, Canaveral, Fernandina, Jacksonville, and Panama City remain open but under restrictions. The approaching storm is already impacting freight operations, with shippers avoiding certain areas.
In response to the impending disaster, President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida, allowing federal assistance through FEMA. The Florida Department of Transportation has also temporarily waived some regulations for heavy-duty trucks, and construction projects in the storm’s projected path have been suspended.
Alix Miller, president and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association, highlighted the state’s well-practiced emergency protocols, which ensure that essential supplies continue to flow while prioritizing the safety of truck drivers. The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) is mobilizing resources to assist with disaster relief, particularly as many areas are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Air travel has been heavily affected, with nearly 800 flights delayed and around 700 canceled across the U.S. on Tuesday. Several Florida airports, including Tampa International, Punta Gorda, Sarasota/Bradenton, and St. Pete-Clearwater, have suspended operations, and Orlando International Airport plans to do the same starting Wednesday.
Overall, the state is bracing for significant impacts as Hurricane Milton approaches, with communities urged to prepare for potential devastation.
