This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sandra Guadarrama-Baumunk, 53, the co-owner of an advertising agency in Phoenix. It has been edited for length and clarity.
07.10.2024 - 22:59 / thepointsguy.com / Ron Desantis
Hurricane Milton is barreling towards Florida, heading in a west to east path from the Gulf of Mexico, like an ice cream cone trying to scoop up the state from the gulf through Orlando to the eastern shores. Currently, Milton is a category 5 hurricane (the highest level of hurricane) and is predicted to go directly over the Tampa Bay area early Wednesday morning.
As of Monday morning, Governor Ron DeSantis had declared a state of emergency in 51 counties. Officials across the state were scrambling to clear debris left by Hurricane Helene last week so that pieces would not become projectiles in Milton's winds, while forecasters predicted a storm surge of 8-12 feet amid as much as 5-10 inches of rain in some areas. Parts of Florida were under mandatory evacuation orders.
If you have an upcoming trip scheduled to Florida, you'll want to stay abreast of the developments in your specific area, as the impact from the damage from Hurricane Milton will largely depend on where you are planning on visiting. However, if you're heading to the western coast of the state this week, it might be best to rearrange travel.
Here's what you need to know about travel to Florida right now.
You should proceed with outsized caution if you have plans to go to Florida's west coast this week, and consider changing your travel plans.
Florida's west coast regions of Tampa and Sarasota and the surrounding areas are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene which made landfall just two weeks ago. These cities have already been asking visitors to stay away. The Sarasota government updated its website on Oct. 1 to say: "Lido Beach is CLOSED. Beachgoers and 'disaster tourists' are slowing down and impeding our storm recovery efforts. There are no restrooms, concessions, lifeguards, or other amenities. There may be seen and unseen hazards on the beach. Please stay off the beach and allow City staff to continue with recovery efforts in the area."
And now, according to the state's official tourism website, Visit Florida, "There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning Tuesday night or early Wednesday. Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches are now in effect for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula and residents in that area should follow any advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so."
The state website also notes, "areas of heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida today [Monday] well ahead of Milton, with heavy rainfall more directly related to the system expected later on Tuesday through Wednesday night. This rainfall will bring the risk of considerable flash, urban, and areal flooding, along
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sandra Guadarrama-Baumunk, 53, the co-owner of an advertising agency in Phoenix. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Airlines said they have capped airfares as they face accusations of price gouging before Hurricane Milton hits the Gulf Coast south of Tampa.
Large swaths of Florida were recovering on Friday after Hurricane Milton swept through as a major storm with airports and theme parks starting to reopen.
As Hurricane Milton hurdles its way towards Florida on Wednesday as a Category 4 storm, flights have been canceled, airlines and cruises have diverted, and theme parks have shuttered.
As Hurricane Milton swirls toward Florida as a Category 4 storm, residents in the hurricane's path — including in Central Florida — are preparing for the storm by stocking up on necessities like food, water and fuel. For those visiting Disney World, however, there's a different list of decisions to think through, like whether they should return home early and what to do if they get stuck at Disney.
The Tampa Bay area and other parts of Florida's Gulf Coast are bracing for Hurricane Milton's impact.
With Hurricane Milton barreling down on Florida, residents across the state are racing to evacuate their homes and prepare for the powerful storm, which is projected to make landfall on the state’s west coast late on Wednesday night, according to the National Hurricane Center. In addition to putting residents and property at risk, the historic storm is also set to impact travel plans throughout Florida and the Gulf region at large.
Update: October 8, 2024, at 1:40 p.m. ET
5-day forecast cone for Hurricane Milton. (Photo Credit: National Hurricane Center)
More women are traveling alone, and a popular high-end cruise line has taken notice.
Four international airports are set to suspend commercial flights as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, while American Airlines scheduled extra services for evacuees.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, October 8, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.