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Water Damage Restoration in Tampa, FL

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Saint Leo University Tampa Education Center in Tampa to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Tampa, FL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Tampa. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Henry B Plant Museum in Tampa, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Tampa.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Tampa, FL

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Great American Assisted Living at Tampa in Tampa for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Tampa, FL, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Tampa?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Ballast Point Park in Tampa. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Tampa, FL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Tampa Bay History Center in Tampa, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Tampa restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Tampa, FL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Tampa, FL

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in Tampa, FL, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Ulele in Tampa. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Tampa rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in Tampa, FL

Maps show track of Hurricane Milton as forecasters predict landfall in Florida this week

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 1 storm Sunday with a path putting it on track to hit Florida's Gulf Coast mid-week. Forecasters predict Milton will make landfall around the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday, packing 120 mph winds and drenching an area still reeling from ...

Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 1 storm Sunday with a path putting it on track to hit Florida's Gulf Coast mid-week. Forecasters predict Milton will make landfall around the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday, packing 120 mph winds and drenching an area still reeling from Hurricane Helene.

As of 2 a.m. Eastern on Monday, Milton was centered about 220 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and about 770 miles west-southwest of Tampa. It had maximum sustained winds of 90 mph and was "moving erratically eastward through the southern Gulf of Mexico" at about 6 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Path of Hurricane Milton

A map from the National Hurricane Center shows Milton continuing to strengthen into a major hurricane as it approaches Florida's west coast.

"Milton is forecast to intensify rapidly and become a major hurricane later today," the hurricane center said early Monday.

The storm is expected to remain north of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, with heavy rainfall expected as Milton makes its way northeast toward Florida. The Mexican government issued a hurricane watch from Celestun to Cabo Catoche, and a tropical storm warning from east of Cabo Catoche to Cancun.

Far more rain — up to 15 inches — was forecast to fall on parts of western Florida later in the week as the storm makes landfall.

Florida officials prepare for more impact

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday that while it remained to be seen just where Milton would strike, it was clear that Florida would be hit hard.

"I don't think there's any scenario where we don't have major impacts at this point," he said.

"You have time to prepare — all day today, all day Monday, probably all day Tuesday to be sure your hurricane preparedness plan is in place," DeSantis said. "If you're on that west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you'll be asked to leave."

DeSantis expanded a state of emergency declaration on Sunday to 51 counties and said Floridians should prepare for more power outages and disruptions, making sure they have a week's worth of food and water and were ready to hit the road.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, meanwhile, coordinated with the governor and briefed President Biden Sunday on how it has staged lifesaving resources.

"I highly encourage you to evacuate" if you're in an evacuation zone, said Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. "We are preparing ... for the largest evacuation that we have seen, most likely since 2017, Hurricane Irma. "

As many as 4,000 National Guard troops are helping state crews to remove debris, DeSantis said.

"All available state assets ... are being marshaled to help remove debris," DeSantis said. "We're going 24-7 ... it's all hands on deck."

Hurricane Milton Takes Aim At Florida Just Days After Helene; Flood Concerns In Tampa Bay & Miami As Orlando Theme Parks Monitor Storm

Ten days after the Southeast was wracked by Helene, one the deadliest storms in modern history, the National Weather Service today forecast that newly-formed Hurricane Milton is headed toward central ...

Ten days after the Southeast was wracked by Helene, one the deadliest storms in modern history, the National Weather Service today forecast that newly-formed Hurricane Milton is headed toward central Florida and could impact the entire state.

“Milton is forecast to move just north of the Yucatan Peninsula and across the southern Gulf of Mexico on Monday and Tuesday and approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday,” reads a NWS report.

“Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 90 mph (150 km/h) with higher gusts. Milton is forecast to intensify rapidly and become a major hurricane on Monday.”

That means Milton will shift from a tropical storm to a Cat. 3 hurricane in the space of 24 hours. Cat. 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale means winds of 111-129 mph. Per the NWS, “The official intensity forecast…shows Milton rapidly strengthening to category 4 intensity within the next couple of days.” Thankfully, it is expected to weaken slightly before reaching the west coast of Florida. According to the chart below, it is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane, likely Cat. 3.

Hurricane-force winds currently extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds up to 80 miles out.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Sunday that most of the state will likely be impacted. He has declared a state of emergency in 51 counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Miami-Dade and Broward.

“I don’t think there’s any scenario where we don’t have significant impacts at this point,” he said at a news conference. “If you’re on that west coast of Florida and barrier islands, just assume that you likely are going to be called upon to evacuate.”

Unnamed hurricanes of 1909, 1910, 1929, 1933, 1945, and 1949 were all Category 3 storms when they struck South Florida, as were King of 1950, Betsy of 1965, Jeanne of 2004, and Irma of 2017. Milton would be the third hurricane to hit the state this year.

The current forecast cone, which could change drastically in the next two days, has Milton making landfall just south of Tampa Bay which just 10 days ago saw a storm surge of eight feet on some of the barrier islands in and around Pinellas County. Local officials there are desperately trying to clean up debris from Helene so they don’t become airborne or floodborne projectiles.

Officials told the Tampa Bay Times that Milton could be far worse than Helene. Sewage systems and power could be out for weeks, according to the paper’s reporting.

DeSantis warned in a statement posted to social media that the storm threatens more than just the state’s west coast.

“Impacts will be felt across the Florida peninsula, as Milton is forecasted to exit Florida’s east coast as a hurricane,” wrote the governor.

In a news conference with the governor, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie told residents, “I highly encourage you to evacuate. We are preparing, and I have the State Emergency Response Team preparing, for the largest evacuation that we have seen most likely since 2017 Hurricane Irma.”

The storm’s current projected path takes it over Orlando, with the region and its theme parks just on the edge of the greatest projected risk of flash flooding over the next five days, at 40%. During Helene, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando mostly stayed open, closing only a few outdoor attractions.

Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida closed its doors on September 27, after the storm damaged attractions at the preschool experience. SeaWorld Orlando shut at 2 p.m on the 26th. Busch Gardens Tampa, Adventure Island, and Aquatica Orlando also shut down that day.

Orange and Osceola Counties, in which the parks sit, are among those DeSantis placed under a state of emergency this weekend in anticipation of the storm. Currently, both of the Orlando parks have issued notices that they are currently operating as normal but “closely monitoring” the storm as it develops.

Of note, the low-lying area in and around Miami is also projected to be at the greatest flash flood risk.

Per the NWS, “After crossing Florida, the cyclone should turn east-northeastward to eastward over the Atlantic waters off the southeastern United States.” Currently, it looks set to spare hard-hit western North Carolina.

How will Hurricane Milton impact South Florida? Here's the path and forecast

MIAMI: Milton strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday afternoon with landfall forecast Wednesday afternoon as a major hurricane somewhere between Tampa and Fort Myers.Virtually the entire state is in the National Hurricane Center's cone path, including South Florida. As of 11 p.m., Milton was about 765 miles from Tampa with maximum sustained winds ...

MIAMI: Milton strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday afternoon with landfall forecast Wednesday afternoon as a major hurricane somewhere between Tampa and Fort Myers.

Virtually the entire state is in the National Hurricane Center's cone path, including South Florida. As of 11 p.m., Milton was about 765 miles from Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, just 6 mph from a Category 2.

CBS Miami NEXT Chief Meteorologist Ivan Cabrera said Milton is not a big threat to southeast Florida, including the Keys. It mainly will be high winds and rainfall.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered a state of emergency in 51 of the 67 counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.

A flood watch is in effect through Thursday morning in South Florida. There is the risk of "considerable flash, urban and real flooding along with potential for moderate to major river flooding," according to NHC.

Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches, with localized totals up to 15 inches, are expected across portions of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys through Wednesday night, according to NHC.

Worsening weather overnight

Hurricane and storm watches could be required for portions of Florida overnight.

This will bring South Florida's first round of heavy rain.

The storm will be slow to move and organize overnight before it is expected to speed up and intensify between Monday and Tuesday.

South Florida will receive a "one-two punch" beginning tonight with a weaker and non-tropical area of low pressure that will swing through the area then and into Monday, according to CBS News Miami's NEXT Weather Team.

More heavy rain Monday

Milton is forecast to intensify into a major hurricane -- at least a Category 3.

The lower pressure that will go through the area and heavy rain will continue.

The forecast highs are in the 80s with winds 10 to 15 mph. Lows in the upper 70s.

Showers continue Tuesday

Milton is forecast to become a Category 4 storm as it heads to Florida.

Showers will continue with highs in the mid 80s and winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%, according to the National Weather Service.

Lows in the upper 70s.

Landfall forecast Wednesday

Milton is forecast arrive on the Gulf Coast on Wednesday as a Category 2 storm, bringing more heavy rain and windy weather to South Florida, likely the most significant since the storm formed. Milton then is forecast pass through Central Florida and head to the Atlantic Ocean.

Depending on its track, Milton could bring tropical-storm conditions very early Wednesday for most of South Florida though the Florida Keys could see these conditions earlier.

South Florida's main threat continues to be the risk of rainwater flooding, with 4 to 7 inches looking likely across the area.

Highs in the upper 80s and lows and lows in the mid 70s.

Better conditions Thursday

It will be cloudy with 40% chance of rain in the morning and 30% at night, according to the National Weather Service.

Highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid 70s.

DeSantis on Hurricane Milton: Florida preparing to open highway shoulders for evacuations

...

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says there’s still much uncertainty about Hurricane Milton, but the state is preparing to open highway shoulders for mass evacuations to come.

“We’re just dealing with a wide range of possibilities, (but there’s) certainty that we’re going to have major impacts,” DeSantis said at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee on Sunday evening in his second press conference of the day.

The range of the storm – currently projected to be a Category 3 by landfall – encompasses the entire Florida peninsula. The number of people expected to evacuate could be the largest since Hurricane Irma in 2017, but it is still too early to estimate.

Individual counties make evacuation calls. “Once those orders come down from all the counties, I think it’s going to be a significant number of people,” DeSantis said.

The Florida Department of Transportation is monitoring traffic, and as soon as travel speeds are down to 40 mph, the state will begin to open shoulders for travel to relieve congestion, according to state Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue.

Landfall could be anywhere along a wide swath of the state's Gulf coast. “Let that uncertainty influence your preparations,” DeSantis said. “You’re not going to be told with 100-degree certainty where this storm is going to go this far out in advance.”

The most recent track has the eye of Hurricane Milton hitting south of Tampa Bay, which will bring storm surge to Sarasota and Charlotte County.

Sunday’s 5 p.m. forecast from the National Hurricane Center said Milton was rapidly intensifying with winds at 85 mph, and heavy rain is expected on Monday, well ahead of the storm’s Wednesday afternoon landfall.

Officials warned residents if they live in an area that is expecting more than 3 feet of storm surge, they should “seriously consider evacuation.”

Kevin Guthrie, Florida's emergency management director, predicted parts of Florida’s west coast could begin to see storm surge watches as early as Monday morning, which will determine which counties order evacuations. “No time like the present to put your evacuation plan into effect right now,” Guthrie said.

Guthrie said the state is fulfilling requests for flood protection devices and continuing “around the clock” removal of debris from Hurricane Helene.

DeSantis added: “This is a 24/7 moment for this debris removal. You have a storm and then have one less than two weeks later, two majors back to back, that is not something that is easy. That creates a lot of challenges.”

He urged local governments to rally their resources to pick up debris before Milton hits Florida and not to just rely on state dump trucks. Perdue said the state had removed 140,000 cubic yards of debris Sunday.

The state has established a base camp at Tropicana Field, home field for the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, to support ongoing debris and post-landfall first responder operations. “We need everybody, all hands on deck,” he said.

Pinellas County said it began helping with mandatory evacuations of some long-term care, hospitals and assisted living facilities in key evacuation zones on Sunday and encouraged residents living in those zones and those living in mobile homes to voluntary evacuate.

Further, the city of St. Petersburg posted video on social media of additional trucks brought in to pick up debris from Helene, still stacked high along some streets.

Dinah Voyles Pulver contributed. Ana Goñi-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network – Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

Milton grows into stronger Category 1 hurricane amid evacuation preparations along Florida’s Gulf coast

Loading your audio articleHurricane Milton was rapidly organizing in the Gulf of Mexico and casting an ominous shadow toward Florida, where state emergency management officials said they were preparing for the largest hurricane evacuation since 2017.With the track of Milton aimed right at Florida’s Gulf coast — currently somewhere between Tampa and Naple...

Loading your audio article

Hurricane Milton was rapidly organizing in the Gulf of Mexico and casting an ominous shadow toward Florida, where state emergency management officials said they were preparing for the largest hurricane evacuation since 2017.

With the track of Milton aimed right at Florida’s Gulf coast — currently somewhere between Tampa and Naples as of Sunday evening — forecasters warned of potentially life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds and widespread torrential rain.

Milton could be a Category 3 hurricane or higher, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. update, though forecasters said it’s still too soon to be certain about the exact track and magnitude. The storm could reach Category 4 or even 5 in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, but some weakening is possible before landfall, hurricane center forecasters said.

“However, the regional hurricane models are showing the system growing even if it weakens, and we are expecting Milton to be a large hurricane at landfall, with very dangerous impacts spread out over a big area,” the hurricane center wrote in its 5 p.m. Sunday update. “There is increasing confidence that a powerful hurricane with life-threatening hazards will be affecting portions of the Florida west coast around the middle of this week.”

“Do not try to game the forecast,” Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents at a hurricane briefing Sunday night. “Be cautious how you’re looking at this data and make inferences you are going to be in the clear.”

DeSantis expanded a state of emergency he declared on Saturday to cover 51 counties, including Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties. Only counties in the western Panhandle were excluded from the emergency declaration.

Milton could make landfall late Tuesday or early Wednesday but its effects are likely to begin much earlier as Milton’s wind field expands over the Gulf of Mexico’s warm and deep waters.

Milton’s forecast cone “covers almost the entire west coast of Florida,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis Sunday morning. “(It’s) not any type of storm that has been dealt with, certainly in recent years … This is an unusual track in terms of it coming in from the Pacific Ocean, hopping across Mexico, forming and then coming horizontally into the west coast of Florida.”

“You have time to prepare — all day today, all day Monday, probably all day Tuesday to be sure your hurricane preparedness plan is in place,” the governor said. “If you’re on that west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you’ll be asked to leave.”

DeSantis said Sunday that while it remains to be seen just where Milton will strike, it’s clear that Florida is going to be hit hard — “I don’t think there’s any scenario where we don’t have major impacts at this point.”

The state’s Director of Emergency Management, Kevin Guthrie, said the state is preparing for the largest hurricane evacuation since 2017, when Hurricane Irma cut through the entire length of the Florida peninsula from the Keys to Georgia.

At the Sunday evening news conference, emergency management officials urged residents to use the website fl511.com for emergency evacuation information.

The state has prepared emergency fuel sources and electric vehicle charging stations along evacuation routes, and “identified every possible location that can possibly house someone along those routes,” Guthrie said. People who live in homes built after Florida strengthened its codes in 2004, who don’t depend on constant electricity and who aren’t in evacuation zones, should probably avoid the roads, he said.

The forecast track for Milton is particularly concerning for the Tampa Bay area. The forecast path on Sunday morning showed the storm moving directly into and over the bay as a major hurricane, although later in the morning the track shifted south toward Sarasota.

DeSantis said Sunday that Milton is expected to make landfall about 5 p.m. Wednesday in Pinellas County. Still, “models can shift,” he warned. “Don’t get wedded to where the landfall is being predicted right now. The cone, at this point, effectively, can bring it almost anywhere on the western Florida peninsula.”

Initial hurricane watches and storm-surge watches are likely to be issued for parts of Florida within hours, experts said late Sunday.

DeSantis stated that crews readying to mobilize for power restoration, and that Milton may cause outages greater than those brought by Hurricane Helene.

There is a “massive amount of resources being marshalled,” he added.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, meanwhile, coordinated with the governor and briefed President Joe Biden Sunday on how it has staged lifesaving resources.

“If the center of Milton tracks just to the north of Tampa Bay, the scope of potential storm surge is impossible to imagine,” Fox Weather hurricane specialist Brian Norcross wrote on his blog, Hurricane Intel. “Think of of Helene’s surge and add another few feet.”

“This is an unusual and extremely concerning forecast track for a hurricane approaching the Tampa Bay area,” warned AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter. “Milton could rapidly intensify into a major hurricane with extreme impacts. This hurricane could create a life-threatening storm surge. Please make sure your family and in friends in this area are prepared.”

Hurricane center forecasters said Milton will encounter complex atmospheric conditions that make its exact forecast difficult to nail down, including the intensity by the time it reaches Florida. “The intensity guidance continues to show a significant spread in the forecast peak intensity (over the next three days), with possibilities ranging from Category 1 to Category 5 strength,” the hurricane center forecasters said.

Milton is expected to bring rain totals of 5 to 8 inches, with localized areas seeing potentially up to 12 inches, across portions of the Florida peninsula and the Keys through Wednesday night. That will come on top of moisture ahead of the hurricane that is already saturating the state.

A flood watch is in effect for all of South Florida lasting into Thursday morning.

Since many of the counties under the Milton state of emergency are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, DeSantis asked the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Transportation to coordinate all available resources and personnel to supplement local communities as they expedite debris removal.

As many as 4,000 National Guard troops are helping state crews to remove the tons of debris left behind by Helene, DeSantis said, and he directed that Florida crews dispatched to North Carolina in Helene’s aftermath return to the state to prepare for Milton.

As of 11 p.m. Sunday, Milton was located about 765 miles west-southwest of Tampa, moving east at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the center. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Celestun to Cancun, Mexico. A hurricane watch is in effect for Celestun to Cabo Catoche, Mexico.

With Milton achieving hurricane status, this is the first time the Atlantic has had three simultaneous hurricanes after September, said Colorado State University hurricane scientist Phil Klotzbach. There have been four simultaneous hurricanes in August and September.

Currently, clouds and showers/thunderstorms over portions of South Florida are associated with a broad area of low pressure area not tied to Milton. Heavy rainfall and flooding is expected across South Florida through early next week. A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire area from Sunday morning to Thursday morning.

The projected impact of Milton to the South Florida region is still being assessed, but is generally expected to be late Tuesday through Wednesday.

Other tropical systems

Far in the Atlantic, Hurricane Leslie formed on Saturday and Hurricane Kirk continued moving north-northeast as a Category 2 major hurricane. Neither is a threat to land.

Leslie, located 1,000 miles west of Africa’s southernmost Cabo Verde Islands, had a maximum sustained wind speed of 90 mph and was moving northwest at 12 mph as of 11 p.m. Sunday. In the five-day track, forecasters are projecting the storm to turn to the northwest, away from the Caribbean, and increase in forward speed. Leslie may begin weakening sometime in the next day or so.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane Sunday with its maximum sustained winds dropping to 80 mph. Long-range forecasts show Kirk arcing north and west toward Europe.

At 11 p.m. Sunday, Kirk was located about 900 miles west of the Azores and was moving northeast at 25 mph.

In addition, the National Hurricane Center is watching a tropical wave that is expected to move off the west coast of Africa in a few days, although the chance of development is low, with a 30% chance through the next seven days.

The next named storm will be Nadine.

Staff writer Lisa J. Huriash contributed to this report, which was supplemented by information from the Associated Press.

Forecasts for Hurricane Helene’s path were uncannily accurate. Here’s why.

Originally Published: October 6, 2024 at 8:10 a.m.

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