Remember this article recently posted about Hurricane Helene striking Florida and North Carolina? Well, a solid not-even-two-weeks later, Helene’s cousin, Hurricane Milton, is here and getting ready to hit Florida. 

Hurricane Milton intensified to Category 5 strength Tuesday, Oct. 6 as it raced through the Gulf of Mexico. Millions rushed to finalize storm preparations and evacuate high-risk areas. The storm is headed mainly towards the Tampa area.

The National Hurricane Center warned that the storm surge from Milton poses an “extremely life-threatening situation” along Florida’s western coast, cautioning that dangerous winds and heavy rain will spread far beyond the forecasted path. Florida is under widespread red and orange alerts on hurricane warning maps.

According to the Hurricane Milton Public Advisory released by the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center, “On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight (Oct. 8) and Wednesday (Oct. 9), make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida Wednesday night (Oct. 9)  and move off the east coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday (Oct. 10).”

In caution, Dr. Laurie released a statement 10 a.m. Oct. 8 informing students, parents and faculty that Heritage will be holding virtual school Oct. 9. The school leadership will decide Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the afternoon if in-person classes will be held Thursday, Oct. 10.

The college fair has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 6.

As Milton surges, remember to check on your loved ones in the Tampa area and to take any necessary precautions.