Florida, still reeling from the destruction of Hurricane Helene, is facing a growing threat this week against another storm, Hurricane Milton. Crews from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are shifting focus from recovery to prepare the state's roads and bridges for what forecasters say could be the worst storm to hit the Tampa Bay in 100 years.
Milton rapidly strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane Monday and is forecast to have maximum sustained winds of 180 mph. Milton is forecast to move near or just north of the Yucatan Peninsula today and Tuesday, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida by Wednesday.
Monday, Gov. DeSantis' office issued a joint statement with the FDOT on what preparadness efforts the department is taking, including:
- Analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
- Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
- Monitoring interstate traffic speeds and levels for the potential implementation of Emergency Should Use (ESU) to assist with evacuations if necessary.
- Securing high mast lighting, maintenance yards, active construction projects, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations that had returned to normal since Hurricane Helene.
- Barges at the Howard Frankland Bridge project is being secured.
- Suspended construction projects with lane closures within all counties statewide located on all interstates and Florida Turnpike facilities.
- Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
- Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
- Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
FDOT has already removed 139,718 cubic yards of debris statewide (66,278 from state roads and 73,440 from local roads) as a result of Hurricane Helene, according to the press release.
At the direction of Gov. DeSantis, FDOT is coordinating debris removal assignments for the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture, amongst others, who have activated available state personnel and resources to clear and haul remaining debris.
FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated.
Source: The Office of Gov. Ron DeSantis, News Nation Now
