JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was originally believed that Hurricane Milton would arrive in Florida on Wednesday, but updated models now have the storm reaching the Sunshine State on Thursday morning.
In response, local nonprofit City Rescue Mission has announced it will increase its overnight capacity and extend its hours for people seeking shelter from the looming storm.
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Beginning Wednesday at 11 a.m., City Rescue Mission’s New Life Inn location, 234 W. State St, will be open to guests until storm conditions begin to subside, or 4 p.m. at the latest.
“We are in collaboration with other agencies to accept their overflow and with law enforcement to accept people they pick up on the street,” CRM officials said. Also, all guests will receive a hot meal, access to showers, and clean clothing.
Additionally, Mayor Donna Deegan said around noon on Tuesday that the following locations will serve as shelter sites for those looking to evade Hurricane Milton’s potential destruction.
- Atlantic Coast High School (9735 R G Skinner Parkway)
- Chaffee Trail Middle School (11770 Sam Caruso Way)
- Landmark Middle School (101 N Kernan Blvd.)
- Arlington Middle School (8141 Lone Star Road)
- Lavilla School of the Arts (501 N Davis St.)
- Legends Center and Gymnasium (5130 Soutel Drive)
Deegan added that, if necessary, up to five more locations could be “quickly” activated ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
Hurricane Milton latest
In an 11 a.m. update, the National Weather Service said Hurricane Milton was a Category 4 hurricane with maximum wind speeds reaching 150 mph. NWS also said the hurricane was about 500 miles southwest of Tampa.
“Because Milton is a more compact storm, it is harder to predict because its speed, strength and track can shift very quickly,” WJXT meteorologist Katie Garner said.
Some counties in the Jacksonville area have already begun their preparation efforts, including St Johns County issuing mandatory evacuation orders, and Putnam County recommending evacuations for residents in areas prone to flooding.
Follow News4Jax’s coverage of the Hurricane Milton on Channel 4, News4JAX.com, and News4JAX+. Also, make sure you download the News4JAX Weather and Hurricane Apps.
