South Florida residents brace for Hurricane Milton and its impact

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – Residents are preparing for what some are calling a “two-for-one punch” as Hurricane Milton is expected to tear through most the state on Wednesday evening.

As a result, gas station lines started piling up at Costco located on S. University Dr. alongside I-595. Locals tell Z News they are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. “We have everything we need in case [Milton] leaves us without power for several days. I have enough gas for the two generators, plus enough food and water to last me a few days, maybe even weeks.” says George Schmidt, who waited about an hour in line.

According to The National Hurricane Center, on Sunday afternoon, hurricane hunter aircrafts found Milton rapidly strengthening into a category one hurricane. Sustaining winds of 80 miles-per-hour and posing “life-threatening” risks for many residents across the Florida peninsula.

Ft. Lauderdale officials say they are actively taking precautionary measures. Sandbag locations are available today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

• – Floyd Hull Stadium
• – Mills Pond Park
• – Shirley Small Park