The National Hurricane Center warns Milton poses a "extremely serious threat" to Florida with life-threatening impacts, and Osceola County is making final preparations ahead of a possible direct hit from the storm.
Hurricane Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record, with the National Hurricane Center warning that Milton poses a "extremely serious threat" to Florida with life-threatening impacts.
The fear is that the storm could slam into the Tampa Bay area before tearing through the I-4 corridor with the potential to bring hurricane force winds and extreme flooding rain to the heavily populated Central Florida.
In Osceola County a curfew will be in place across Osceola County, including the Cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, starting at 8 p.m. tonight (10/09) until 10 a.m. tomorrow (10/10).
This curfew does NOT apply to first responders, health care workers, and other essential employees. If you're traveling to or from work, be sure to have your ID and work phone number ready.
For the latest from Osceola the Osceola Citizen Information Center hotline (407-742-0000) isl operate 24 hours a day. Citizens that have specific questions or need to speak with an Osceola County representative may call this hotline.
Subscribe to emergency alerts at AlertOsceola.org or text “alertosceola” to 888777.
The track of Milton has shifted south more and puts Osceola County in line for increased rainfall (10-15 inches of rain). That makes life-threatening flash flooding and flooding in our urban areas likely.
People living in low-lying, flood-prone areas or homes with potential structural issues should plan NOW to seek alternate shelter before noon tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9. Public shelters in Osceola County open at 8 a.m. If you’re headed to a shelter, you must bring bedding, including blankets, sleeping bags, or pillows with you. It’s also recommended to bring books, quiet games, and battery-powered radios. Those on prescription medication should bring adequate supplies with them. We ask that no one bring perishable food items. Food will be provided.
Alerts
Our Citizen Information Center hotline (407-742-0000) isl operate 24 hours a day. Citizens that have specific questions or need to speak with an Osceola County representative may call this hotline.
Subscribe to emergency alerts at AlertOsceola.org or text “alertosceola” to 888777.
Based on the storm’s current forecast path, residents are encouraged to be in the place where they plan to ride out the storm by Tuesday evening.
Sandbags
Sandbag operations are complete. We have successfully distributed 318,000 sandbags since Sunday. There will be NO sandbag operations on Wednesday, October 9.
Shelters
UPDATE:
We currently have 609 people in our shelters. The shelters with the largest capacity right now are:
Celebration High School
Harmony High School
Liberty High School
Kissimmee Middle School is now at full capacity, but Gateway High School has plenty of space available.
If you're headed to any of our shelters, please plan to arrive by 1:30 p.m. to ensure you are off the road for your own safety.
Shelters are open for now residents living in low-lying or flood-prone areas, or homes with structural concerns.
Celebration High School
Gateway High School (Pet-Friendly)
Harmony High School (Pet-Friendly)
Holopaw Community Center
Kenansville Community Center
Kissimmee Middle School (Pet-Friendly)
Liberty High School (Pet-Friendly)
For residents with special medical needs, a shelter is open at the Osceola Council On Aging.
Please bring items to make your stay more comfortable, such as blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, books, quiet games, and battery-powered radios. Residents taking prescription medications are strongly encouraged to bring an adequate supply with them.
Free Public Parking Available
The Public Parking Garage at the County Administration Building and Courthouse Complex in downtown Kissimmee is now open for free parking, 24 hours a day, until Friday evening.
Parking is first come, first served and AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Schools
All Osceola Schools Will Be Closed On Wednesday, October 9, Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11, For Hurricane Milton.
Parents and community residents are encouraged to monitor the district's social media or website at www.osceolaschools.net for any further school district updates.
Government Closures
Osceola County, City of Kissimmee, and City of St. Cloud government offices and parks are closed Wednesday and Thursday.
In Central Florida people are continuing to prepare for a potential direct hit from Hurricane Milton, theme parks and attractions are closing, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, LEGOLAND Florida, The Orlando Eye, Gatorland and more.
Orlando International Airport is also closing, ceasing commercial operations at 9am on Wednesday, October 9.
Grocery stores are closing, including Publix with all Central Florida stores closing Tuesday, at 6pm, remaining closed until 6pm on Thursday.
As the situation becoming more dire, and Hurricane Milton continues to target Florida, state and local officials are warning residents that the time to prepare for the life-threatening storm is running out. Florida residents and visitors currently in the state should be finalizing preparations and action plans today,
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already placed 51 of the state’s 67 counties under a State of Emergency, and on Monday, President Joe Biden approved the state’s pre-landfall emergency declaration request, which now authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures.
We urge you to stay informed and stay safe as Hurricane Milton targets Florida.
Closures & Updates:
Emergency Info:
School Closure:
Shelter Locations:
Sandbag Locations:
Theme Parks & Attractions:
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