HURRICANE MILTON: MACDILL AFB EVACUATING WHILE STILL RECOVERING

There are large portions of the country still trying to recover from Hurricane Helene, including MacDill Air Force Base. Now, a rapidly intensifying storm is once again threatening Florida with deadly conditions. Hurricane Milton is projected to strike Florida with harsh winds, a destructive storm surge, and plenty of rain. The worst-case scenario could bring a catastrophic level of storm surge from Tampa Bay into the city of the same name. Tampa is bracing for a potential landfall impact of a category 5 hurricane, all while military members are still helping their community and others recover from the last storm.

Hurricane Milton is Causing a Second Evacuation of MacDill AFB

Hurricane Milton has Air Force officials calling for an evacuation of non-essential personnel and aircraft located on MacDill AFB.

Tropical Storm Milton is now a category 5 hurricane, and is expected to potentially reach category 5 at landfall as it moves into warmer waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Initially, a limited evacuation for Zones A and B of the base has been issued, along with anyone living in a mobile home in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.

On October 6, 2024, aircraft were being evacuated from the Air Force base in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.

Military families evacuating do not include personnel designated as mission essential, who are not allowed to leave until they are released.

Weeks of Disruption for the Military

Evacuation orders are coming in the midst of devastation still affecting millions of Americans in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and more.

MacDill AFB and other bases are continuing their own clean-up while helping people in Florida’s Big Bend region and beyond; however, what’s being forecasted to hit the Tampa area could bring about yet another cycle of devastation.

Thousands of troops from many different branches, including the National Guard, have had the arduous task of not only restoring their own bases but also helping clear paths on broken infrastructure, assisting in search and rescue, and distributing desperately needed supplies.

During Hurricane Helene, other bases, most notably Fort Eisenhower and Moody AFB, were much more affected by the storm, but again, because of the growing intensity and projected path of Hurricane Milton, MacDill AFB is set to take the brunt of the storm this time.

MacDill AFB is home to the U.S. Special Operations Command. During Hurricane Helene, the base saw flooding and power outages.

Base leaders are urging personnel to gather supplies and clear debris to avoid further storm damage, as the storm continues to intensify in the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Milton Rapidly Intensifying, Cat 5 Landfall is Possible

On October 6, 2024, it was a tropical storm, by October 7th, Hurricane Milton was a category 5. That’s the rapid intensification requiring everyone in the Gulf, but particularly those living in Florida, to take notice and prepare early.

If you are living in an area potentially affected by Hurricane Milton, be sure to prepare and follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders.

To stay on track with everything, the National Hurricane Center is one of the best resources to follow for updated information you can trust during these difficult times.

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