Gas Stations, Traffic Lanes Backup Ahead of Milton

Google maps photo showing part of the route from New Port Richey to Jacksonville | gas station in New Port Richey both taken at 2:30p.m.Photo byUncovering Florida

Uncovering Florida and multiple sources have reported that gas stations along Florida’s Gulf Coast are already experiencing long lines as residents prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Milton. In addition to the waiting in line at the pump, traffic is also starting to back up on major highways as people evacuate ahead of the storm. This information was confirmed by Uncovering Florida at 2:30p.m. on Monday. The widespread panic comes as predicted models show Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 5 storm in the Gulf of Mexico, approaches the Tampa Bay area head on.

As Milton churns towards Florida, the storm’s threat has prompted a rush to gas stations and an uptick in traffic along evacuation routes. Uncovering Florida has received reports of residents waiting in line for to fuel up their vehicles and congestion building on major highways like I-75, with many evacuees heading inland or northward to escape the storm’s projected path.

Hurricane Milton, currently a monstrous Category 5 storm, is set to lose strength as it moves toward land. Meteorologists predict that by the time Milton reaches Tampa on Wednesday night, it will have downgraded to a Category 3 storm. While this may offer some relief, officials warn that even a Category 3 hurricane can cause significant damage, including storm surges, flooding, and widespread power outages.

The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, with mandatory evacuations already underway for low-lying areas at risk of severe flooding.

More information on the storm can be found on the NOAA website here.