Gas shortages loom as Floridians flee from Hurricane Milton
(NewsNation) — As hundreds of thousands flee Florida ahead of its second major hurricane in two weeks, though traffic backups and gas shortages are posing a problem for evacuees.
Following evacuation orders in 11 counties of Florida's west coast, the exodus has left roughly 16 percent of the state's fuel stations without gas.
The now-Category 5 Hurricane Milton transformed from a Category 1 to a Category 5 on Monday alone, later downgrading on Tuesday morning before gaining strength once again in the Gulf of Mexico.
“If you’re going to get out, get out now,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) urged on Tuesday. “You have time today. Time will be running out."
As of 11 a.m. ET, more than 1,200 of the state's 7,912 total gas stations had gone dry, according to GasBuddy, which tracks fuel prices in real-time across North America.
It's a dramatic jump from Monday's numbers, which showed only 3 percent of Florida's service stations without fuel.
The Fort Myers, Tampa Bay and Orlando areas, which are expected to receive the worst of Milton's impact sometime on Wednesday, recorded some of the highest amounts of out-of-commission stations.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy, told MarketWatch that a majority of the evacuees are trying to head north on one of two major highways, which he called a "challenging situation."
De Haan recommends stopping at the supersized travel stops along the freeway, as they likely have more resources to deliver fuel to massive amounts of people.
Milton will hammer Florida just weeks after Hurricane Helene made a major impact in the Big Bend region, traveling northwest and devastating communities in America's southeast. Helene is estimated to have killed at least 230 and left thousands more still unaccounted for or missing.
Florida's goal is to clean up as much of the Helene debris as possible before Milton makes landfall. One of the state's top fears for Milton is that it will kick back up the debris left behind by Helene and cause further damage to the community.
However, due to the excessive debris, DeSantis has urged residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate now before it's too late.
Date: |
-
World - The Guardian
Traffic and trepidation as Floridians scramble to flee Hurricane Milton’s path
Fleeing residents clog interstates as experts warn hurricane could be one of state’s ‘most damaging and costly storms’. Tell us: how have you been affected by Hurricane Milton? In happier ...15 hours ago -
Business - CNBC
Florida gas stations are running out of fuel as people flee Hurricane Milton
About 1,200 of the state's 7,900 gas stations are currently without fuel, according to GasBuddy.16 hours ago - Florida -
Top stories - ABC News
After Helene, Hurricane Milton leaves Floridians on edge from Tampa to Orlando
As Danny Pownall looked through the piles of debris on the street left by Hurricane Helene, he feared the destruction Hurricane Milton might do once it makes landfall.18 hours ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Milton evacuees navigating gas shortages, flight cancellations
Millions of Florida residents trying to get out of Hurricane Milton's path are encountering gas shortages on the road and hundreds of flight cancellations at delays at airports. CBS News national ...1 hour ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Florida gas stations in these cities face fuel shortages amid Milton evacuations
Milton evacuees are facing congested roads and gas stations running out of fuel as the hurricane approaches.15 hours ago - Florida -
Top stories - CBS News
Floridians prepare for Hurricane Milton's dangerous storm surge
Places like Fort Myers, Florida, could see anywhere from 10 to 15 feet of storm surge depending on Hurricane Milton's path. It's a community still rebuilding from Hurricane Ian, which hit in 2022. ...Yesterday -
Top stories - CBS News
Hurricanes Milton and Helene loom over final weeks of 2024 race
Hurricane Milton is barreling toward storm-battered Florida as the 2024 presidential candidates respond to the looming natural disaster. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez has more on ...15 hours ago -
Top stories - The New York Times
As Hurricane Milton Approaches, Florida Urges Residents to Evacuate
Officials urged residents in the expected path of the hurricane to heed evacuation orders as the state mobilizes resources to respond to the storm.Yesterday - Florida
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
What ‘peace’ in Ukraine on Russian terms would actually mean
To impose Russia’s peace on Ukraine through diplomacy would lead to two major consequences.1 hour ago - Ukraine -
Politics - The Hill
Most in new poll say economy most important issue in election; Trump gets edge
Most voters in a new survey rank the economy as the most important issue ahead of the election, now less than a month away, and former President Trump has an edge over Vice President Harris on the ...2 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Either Trump or Harris will win in spite of themselves
The 2024 election is shaping up to be a battle for the leftovers, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris competing for the support of the middle-of-the-roaders who don't like either of them.2 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
‘Catastrophic’ Hurricane Milton nears Florida, life-threatening storm surge expected
Hurricane Milton is barreling toward central Florida Wednesday in what experts say is a “catastrophic” storm that will bring life-threatening rain and wind to the state’s western coast. The ...2 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Walz: 'The Electoral College needs to go'
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee, suggested Tuesday night that the Electoral College should be abolished during two West Coast campaign stops. Walz ...2 hours ago