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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) â Hurricane Milton crashed into Florida as a Category 3 storm Wednesday, pounding the coast with ferocious winds of over 100 mph (160 kph) and producing a series of tornadoes around the state. Tampa avoided a direct hit.

More than 1 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida

It within a few hours. Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, the western coast of Florida already, we're seeing impacts of the storm including significant winds and heavy rain. And there's also been frequent and widespread tornado warnings throughout the day and they're continued and expected to expand as milt moves over land, including a few that have already touched down in south in South Florida. Currently milt is a category three with wind speeds up to 100 and 20 MPH, but no one should be confused. It's still expected to be one of the most and worst destructive hurricanes that hit Florida in over a century. You know, both the heads of the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service made it very clear and conversations I've had with them earlier today. No one still carries incredible destructiveness can wipe out communities can cause loss of life. Storm surge is still expected to be up to 13 ft. So I urge everyone in hurricane Milton's path to listen to local officials and follow all the safety instructions they give at this point. Evacuation is probably difficult. So I encourage people to look for safer shoulder. Sometimes moving just a few miles can mean the difference between life and death. We've already approved emergency declarations for Florida. We have thousands of federal personnel on the ground. We stage and are ready to go. We have 20 million meals, 40 million L of water. In my direction, the Secretary of Defense Austin has prepositioned search and rescue teams, helicopters and high water, high high water vehicles as close to the storm as possible. So they're ready to conduct life saving missions. And the administrators of the administrator of FEMA will be on site tonight in Florida in the state's emerge in the state's emergency operation. Both administrator Chriswell and I will be in constant contact with state and local officials in the hours ahead. Once this storm hits, we're gonna work with state officials to clear debris, restore power and do it as fast as possible. The Army Corps of Engineers will pump out water and decrease flooding. We've already directed the Department of Defense to be ready to provide active duty service members to support Florida after the storm after the storm surge. If Governor De Sanchez requests the help which I expect he might just like we did in North Carolina. I have searched over 1000 us Coast Guard personnel to perform search and rescue missions and reopen the port of Tampa as soon as possible. No, I want to reiterate a point. I made clear earlier today to the folks who have been impacted by the land, this impact and will be now impacted by milk. Over the last few weeks, there's been a reckless and irresponsible and relentless promotion of disinformation and outright lies about what's going on. It's undermining confidence of the people in Florida and incredible rescue and recovery work that has been undertaken. Literally, there are, there are thousands of fellow Americans who are putting their lives at stake and putting on the line to do the dangerous work that needs to be done now. And it's harmful to those who most need the help. Quite frankly, these lies are un American and there is simply no place for them. Not now. Not ever. Former president Trump has led this onslaught of lies. Assertions have been made that property is being confiscated. It's simply not true. They're saying people impacted by these storms have received $750 in cash and no more. That is simply not true either. They're saying the money needed for these crises are being diverted to migrants. What the hell the heck are they talking about? Stop it. It's outrageous. It's just not true. Now, the claims are getting even more bizarre. Marjorie Taylor Green, the congresswoman from Georgia is now saying the federal government is literally controlling the weather, we're controlling the weather. It's beyond ridiculous. It's so stupid. It's got to stop. Let me close you this, it's difficult these days and weeks have been. We've seen incredible courage by so many of our fellow Americans. I wanna thank all the first responders for running toward danger instead of away from it for saving lives and making a difference. Fema personnel risking their lives, climbing on hillsides to reach people, cut off by Helena Army National Guard flying through the gill wind force. That, uh, it's amazing what they're doing. Firefighters lifting, collapsed wood and metal in an attempt to get sea for survivors. Any survivors under the debris, risking their lives. Coast Guard teams and telling from helicopters to rescue people and risking their own lives. There are countless friends and neighbors who have sacrificed for the greater good volunteers leaving their own families behind to help, search for someone else's family, fellow Americans looking out for one another. That's America at its very best. That's who we are. So my final message tonight is to the people of Florida and all the impact of States. We've got your back, we've got your back and con and I will be there for as long as it takes to rescue, recover and rebuild. May God bless you all and may God protect those serving in the eye of the storm on behalf of our nation. Thank you. Why do you think Trump is spreading misinformation? Why do you think Trump is Trump is spreading misinformation to the, do you have a comment, sir? Why do you think Trump is? Why do you think Trump is spreading misinformation. I don't know. II, I simply don't know, you can speculate but IIII, I just find it. II, I, I've used the phrase more than I've used it ever in my whole career. Un American. It's un American. It's not who the hell we are. What are they talking about, sir? Have you considered calling him and asking to stop a minute. The stock study? Mr President does Governor desantis need to take Vice president? Uh Harris's calls? All I can tell you is I'm talking to Governor de Santa. He's been very gracious. He's thanked me for all we've done. He knows what we're doing. And uh, and I think that's important. Can you say that Florida has everything it needs for the storm. How was your call with Netanyahu today? We didn't talk about the story. Thank you. Yes. Uh you, I, yeah.

President Biden discusses preps as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida

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Franklin sheriff calls for county manager's resignation after she issues guidance for Helene reimbursements

Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White

Hurricane season 2024: Milton makes landfall in Florida as Category 3 hurricane

8:30 p.m. update Wednesday on Hurricane Milton

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Western NC nonprofits, businesses helping residents reconnect and resupply after Helene

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Raleigh man worries about family in Tampa as Hurricane Milton approaches 

John Goode and his son Derrick Goode in an old family photo

Wednesday night forecast: Cool temperatures with lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s

Forecast of rainfall over the next 7 days

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The federal and state governments have also increased their presence in western North Carolina, offering up to $2 million to repair businesses and up to $500,000 to homeowners. However, getting people connected to this aid remains a problem.

State, federal aid surge in western NC as residents grapple with whether to stay after Helene

After Hurricane Helene in late September, both the state and federal governments have been surging in aid to people and small businesses. They've added personnel and pop-up offices throughout the area.

Carrie Wooldridge, a resident of Raleigh, drove to her hometown of Edneyville to help with the cleanup efforts after Hurricane Helene ravaged the area.

Raleigh woman leads Helene cleanup efforts in hometown of Edneyville

Carrie Woolridge, a resident of Raleigh, drove to her hometown of Edneyville to help with the cleanup efforts after Hurricane Helene ravaged the area.

The Carolina Cooker team from Garner, led by Jason Allen, has set up a mobile kitchen in the community of Vilas to provide barbecue and sweet potatoes to people affected by Hurricane Helene.

Helene relief: Garner company barbecues 1,600 meals per day in Vilas

Jason Allen's Garner-based Carolina Cooker team has set up a mobile kitchen in the community of Vilas.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal officials are working to move critical hospital supplies out of the path of Hurricane Milton, which is threatening another manufacturer of IV fluids even as hospitals nationwide are still reeling from disruptions caused by flooding at a large factory in North Carolina.

Officials work to protect IV supplies in Florida after disruptions at North Carolina plant

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Florida hospitals are bracing for Hurricane Milton and an influx of patients after the storm hits.



Florida hospitals brace for Milton: How NC hospitals prepare for natural disasters 

UNC Rex Healthcare

The $273 million disaster relief bill, approved unanimously, is likely the first of several spending plans to rebuild ravaged communities in western North Carolina.

NC lawmakers approve millions in Hurricane Helene disaster aid for western counties

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Hurricane Helene is now blamed for the deaths of 230 people across the south, and more than 90,000 people remain without power.

Tracking Helene's impact: Search county-by-county death toll, power outages in NC

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Hurricane Helene destroyed Kayla Ward's home in Tennessee. A woman found some of her family's photos eight miles away.

Tennessee family's photos found 8 miles away after Helene destroys their home

A woman posted on Facebook about photos she found after Helene ravaged the Appalachian Mountains. The photos belonged to Kayla Ward, who lived eight miles away in Jonesborough, Tennessee. 

Kim Wooten, an engineer and member of the state Building Code Council, has criticized recent changes to North Carolina's building codes, which she believes have weakened building standards and paved the way for more destruction in the next storm.

Did weak building codes contribute to devastation from Helene?

Debris from Hurricane Helene is piled in front of a home in Cove Creek, North Carolina, an unincorporated community in Watauga County.

Vacationers are receiving conflicting information about the situation in the North Carolina mountains.

5 On Your Side: Vacationers getting mixed messages about traveling to NC mountains

EARNHARDT-5 Blue Ridge Mountains

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The 2024 North Carolina State Fair is a beloved annual tradition, offering something for everyone. From thrilling rides and delicious food to educational exhibits and live entertainment, there's always something to enjoy.

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The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event is LIVE NOW with excellent deals on tablets, Fire TV Sticks, AirPods Pro 2, MacBooks, Bissell Little Green Carpet Cleaner, Shark Vacuums, Instant Pot, Hey Dude Shoes, Barbie Dreamhouse, Levi's, toys, electronics, home security, kitchen, clothing, Buy 2 Get 1 Free movies, books & music and much more! Read on for the long list of top offers!  

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Hurricane Helene ravaged mountain towns and cities in western North Carolina, leaving many people trapped after roads were destroyed and washed away. With no roads, no power and (seemingly) no way to reach these communities, the Mountain Mule Packers stepped up. 

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After a hurricane hits, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out everything you need to do. Here's a list of resources to help you.

How to get help after the storm

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While there is still plenty of work to do for residents in Hendersonville after Hurricane Helene, one museum is helping people reconnect and resupply.

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Garner company helps feed Helene victims in western NC

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Rocky Mount power outage repair crew

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Rocky Mount utility crews transition emergency response from western North Carolina to Florida

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Appalachian State University plans to resume classes following Hurricane Helene damage

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Catawba singer Christina Eagle joins Team Snoop Dogg on 'The Voice'

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On Dec. 17, 2022, skiers and snowboarders go down the slopes at Beech Mountain.

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Lawmakers ready to okay a quarter-billion dollar relief bill for Helene 

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After months of WRAL investigations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now working to determine if there is a connection between PCBs in Poe Hall and employee cancer cases.

CDC to investigate potential cancer cluster among Poe Hall workers at NC State

Before hunting for deep discounts on Amazon Prime Day, 5 On Your Side is warning you about the pitfalls to watch out for while you shop and after.

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WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty answers viewer questions related to the response to Hurricane Helene.

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The North Carolina Board of Elections voted unanimously to give the hardest-hit counties more flexibility in how they conduct the elections.



NC leaders approve flexibility for voters in Helene counties

Before Helene there was Fred - $13 million was promised and few dollars were received by this town. WRAL Investigates North Carolina's long history of hurricane recovery and why funds to help communities rebuild take years to get to those in need.

NC town waiting for millions hit again 3 years later. WRAL Investigates why relief funds take years to help local communities

Many people sent WRAL News questions about the lack of internet and cell service after Hurricane Helene.

Answering viewer questions about lack of internet and cell service from Hurricane Helene

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Vacationers getting mixed messages about traveling to NC mountains 

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'We had entire roads collapse:' Road closures make it harder for western NC towns to get supplies, aid

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Boeing withdraws contract offer after talks with striking workers break down

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States sue TikTok, claiming its platform is addictive and harms the mental health of children

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