Florida residents are urged to complete preparations as Hurricane Milton approaches the state's west-central Gulf Coast. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) reports that the hurricane, now a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 160 mph, is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 9.
Hurricane Milton is the 13th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and will be the fifth tropical cyclone to hit the U.S. this year. Florida has already experienced two hurricanes in 2024: Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued various watches for Florida's Gulf Coast, with more warnings expected soon. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency for 51 counties, leading to widespread evacuations.
Phil Klotzbach from Colorado State University stated, "Milton is expected to accelerate northeastward toward the west coast of Florida, likely making landfall along the central part of the west coast of Florida Wednesday evening." He also warned about potential severe storm surges and significant wind threats.
The NHC cautions that impacts could include destructive winds, life-threatening storm surges, flash flooding, isolated tornadoes, and power outages across Florida. Some areas in Georgia and South Carolina might also be affected.
Triple-I offers preparedness tips such as reviewing evacuation plans, ensuring a supply of food and water for at least 14 days, creating a home inventory, and securing insurance information. Residents are advised to purchase emergency supplies and prepare their properties by removing items that could become airborne due to high winds.
Insurance coverage varies depending on damage type. Wind damage is typically covered under standard policies while flood damage requires specific flood insurance policies. Auto insurance with comprehensive coverage includes protection against wind or flood damage.
Triple-I provides additional resources including videos and articles on hurricane preparedness and insurance-related issues during hurricane season.