Hurricane Milton Update: Category 5 Storm Approaches Florida - Preparedness and Safety Information
Critical updates on Hurricane Milton's impact, shelter options, and safety measures for Palm Bay residents.
October 8, 2024 - 5:30 PM EDT - Palm Bay, FL
Current Situation: Hurricane Milton has intensified back to Category 5 strength with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph. It is moving east-northeast at 9 mph and is expected to bring catastrophic conditions as it approaches Florida. Updated forecasts predict sustained winds in Palm Bay of 16-22 mph on Thursday, with gusts reaching up to 68 mph. Rainfall is expected to range from 6 to 12 inches, with localized totals up to 18 inches. Residents are encouraged to monitor FPL.com or the FPL Mobile App for power outage updates during the storm. Florida Power & Light (FPL) has announced changes to outage alerts during the storm; personalized alerts will not be available during extreme weather events, and residents are encouraged to monitor FPL.com or the FPL Mobile App for updates. Florida Power & Light (FPL) has announced changes to outage alerts during the storm; personalized alerts will not be available during extreme weather events, and residents are encouraged to monitor FPL.com or the FPL Mobile App for updates.
Projected Path: As of the latest forecast, Hurricane Milton is projected to make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday night, likely near the Tampa Bay area. The storm is expected to then move east-northeastward across the state through Thursday and move off the east coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean. Updated forecasts show that the strongest winds and rainfall will impact Palm Bay on Thursday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles. Fluctuations in intensity are possible, but Milton is expected to remain a dangerous major hurricane through landfall.
County and City Updates
Local State of Emergency: In anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s approach, Mayor Rob Medina signed Legislative Order No. D-2024-02, declaring a local state of emergency for the City of Palm Bay effective Tuesday, October 8, at 12:00 PM. This enables the city to expedite procurement processes and seek assistance from the state as needed. Essential city services will remain operational, and first responders have adopted emergency protocols.
Sandbag Distribution: Sandbag distribution has concluded as of Tuesday, October 8. Residents who still need sandbags should check local hardware stores for supplies, where materials like mulch, potting soil, or small gravel can be used if sand is unavailable.
Shelters Open: Brevard County will open three shelters at 9 AM on Wednesday, October 9, for residents in manufactured or mobile homes, flood-prone areas, or those needing safe refuge. The shelters are:
South Mainland Community Center, 3700 Allen Ave., Micco, FL 32976
Walter Butler Community Center, 4201 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32927
Wickham Park Community Center, 2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne, FL 32935
Space Coast Area Transit will provide transportation for registered special needs clients. Call 2-1-1 for assistance. Shelters are pet-friendly and residents should bring their own supplies, including bedding, clothing, medications, and personal hygiene items.
Service Changes and Closures:
City Facilities: Palm Bay’s non-essential city offices, including City Hall, will be closed from noon on Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10. City facilities will reopen on Friday, October 11.
Schools: Brevard Public Schools and offices remained closed through Friday, October 11, due to the storm’s projected path and impacts. Monday, October 14, remained a Teacher Workday/Student Holiday, and students returned on Tuesday, October 15.
UBER: Free rides to state-approved shelters were provided through Uber using promo code 'MILTONRELIEF' during the storm.
Traffic Signals: The Public Works Department has lowered the temporary signals at St. John's Heritage Parkway and Malabar Road. Stop signs have been installed temporarily until the storm passes.
Storm Surge and Flooding: A storm surge warning is in effect, with expected water levels of 10-15 feet above ground level in some coastal areas, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Flooding is expected in low-lying areas, with heavy rainfall causing urban and river flooding.
Evacuation Guidance: Currently, there are no mandatory evacuation orders in Brevard County. However, a Storm Surge Warning has been extended to cover more areas, including southward to Sebastian Inlet, Florida, and northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. Residents in Zone A, which includes barrier islands, mobile homes, and flood-prone areas, should stay vigilant and be prepared to relocate due to potential flooding and strong winds. Shelters are open for those who need them. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for the Florida east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach.
Home Preparation: As Hurricane Milton approaches, secure your home before strong winds arrive. Put up hurricane shutters, make sure your emergency supply kit is stocked, and bring in any loose items from your yard. Do not trim trees or bushes at this time—debris can turn into dangerous projectiles. Also, clear storm drains to help prevent flooding.
Gather Essential Supplies: Ensure you have enough food, water, and medication to last at least three days. Don't forget flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts through Alert Brevard by texting BREVARDEOC to 888777. You can also find hurricane preparation guides at City of Palm Bay Hurricane Preparedness. For the latest updates, follow the City of Palm Bay on Facebook or sign up for eNotifications at City of Palm Bay News.
Community Reminder: This is a dangerous situation for Palm Bay and the greater central Florida region. We urge all residents to take precautions now, stay informed, and seek shelter if necessary. The Palm Bayer will continue to provide updates as we track Hurricane Milton's progress.
Stay safe, Palm Bay. We’re in this together.
For more information on Palm Bay news & events, be sure to visit The Palm Bayer.