Waffle House recently posted a map showing the locations of their closed restaurants in Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches. The National Hurricane Center reported that Milton has strengthened back to a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 165 mph. An overnight landfall near Tampa Bay is expected around 1 a.m. on Thursday. The restaurants are either closed, operating with limited service, or running 24 hours with a full menu. The information is subject to change based on the hurricane’s path, so individuals are advised to follow local guidance.
Due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton, evacuation orders have been issued for a number of Florida counties, with mandatory evacuation orders in place along the state’s western coast. The closure of schools and universities throughout Florida has also been implemented in preparation for the storm. Emergency shelters have been opened to assist residents who are unable to travel out of the evacuation areas. The Florida Department of Transportation has taken measures to prepare roadways and assist with evacuation efforts, including suspending tolls across central and west Florida and implementing Emergency Shoulder Use on certain interstates to facilitate traffic flow for evacuees.
Waffle House has announced preemptive closures of restaurants in areas expected to be hardest hit by Hurricane Milton. The company’s spokesperson stated that their mission is to keep their associates safe and that they will aim to reopen the closed restaurants as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. They will adhere to local evacuation orders and act accordingly to ensure the safety of both employees and customers. Politicians and local leaders have emphasized the importance of heeding evacuation orders and have warned residents against trying to “ride out” the storm, emphasizing the severity of Milton’s potential impact.
President Joe Biden has urged residents under evacuation orders to evacuate immediately, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as Hurricane Milton is predicted to be one of the worst storms to hit Florida in over a century. He stressed that the decision to evacuate is a matter of life and death, and individuals should prioritize their safety above all else. As the hurricane approaches, local authorities are working to ensure that residents are informed, prepared, and able to evacuate safely. The situation remains fluid as Milton’s path may change, so residents are advised to stay updated on the latest information and follow the guidance of local officials.
