Hurricane Milton was upgraded back to a Category 5 storm yesterday, and it’s predicted to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Forecasters expect it to maintain its status as a major hurricane, and Polk County has been placed under a state of emergency + hurricane warning. Stay up to date throughout the storm with these local and national resources.
Storm tracking
Track the storm’s progress through the National Hurricane Center, which provides top news each day, hurricane position updates, and satellite imagery. USA Today also has a storm tracker with an interactive map.
Download the FEMA app to get real-time weather alerts and locate emergency shelters.
Wondering what it all means? Use our guide to spaghetti models and hurricane categories.
Utilities + fuel
A Category 3 or higher hurricane can bring wind speeds of more than 129 mph. That could mean debris, damage, and downed power lines. Check Lakeland Electric’s power outage map to see what’s down near you. The utility’s smart meters mean outages are automatically reported, but you can still report them online.
Hurricanes can make tap water unsafe to drink, so keep an eye on the City of Lakeland’s current boil water notices.
If you’re looking for fuel, check GasBuddy to find a station near you with gas and see what the prices are.
Schools
Polk County Public Schools and offices will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 8-Friday, Oct. 11. Some schools will be used as shelters. Visit PCPS’ website or follow the district’s social media accounts for the most recent updates on closures + reopenings.
Parents can get direct communication from their child’s school by signing up for SchoolMessenger. Opt in for automated messages about future emergency situations.
Important links
- City of Lakeland Emergency Management
- Polk County Emergency Management
- Alert Polk
