WFLA

19 emergency shelters to open in Polk County ahead of Hurricane Milton

By Garrett Phillips,

8 hours ago

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Paul Womble, Polk County’s Emergency Management Director, discussed preparations ahead of Hurricane Milton during a press conference on Sunday.

Womble said the county will do updates at 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. every day going forward as Milton approaches the state.

Nearly 36,000 sandbags were distributed at Polk County sites on Sunday. Sites will reopen tomorrow from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Shelters will open on Tuesday, Womble said, including 3 special needs shelters, 3 pet-friendly shelters, and 13 general population shelters.

Womble stressed the necessity for residents to be prepared for the storm, emphasizing generator safety.

Milton could reach Category 3 major hurricane strength with 115 mph winds as it heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.

You can watch the full press conference on this page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.

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Sassy Sarah Is Colorado Dreamin

5h ago

Sending prayers

Common Sense

7h ago

We have our whiskey and beer and we will have a hurricane party.Stop the FEARMONGERING!

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