Will Hurricane Milton hit Naples, Florida?

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Collier County is preparing for any impacts from Hurricane Milton. The forecast calls for landfall somewhere on Florida’s west coast, although it is too early to determine whether that will mean southeast Florida or elsewhere.

This is a developing story and our reporters and photographers are scattered throughout Collier County and ready to cover events, bring you the latest on flooding, event cancellations and closures and what you need to know.

EVACUATION ZONES: Find out where your evacuation zone is HERE.

VIEWING THE TROPICS: Here is the latest information on Hurricane Milton’s path

Helpful links

Go HERE to review Collier County evacuation zones

Go HERE for weather watches, warnings and advisories for Lee County.

Go HERE to see the latest AccuWeather forecast.

POWER OUTAGES: The LCEC power map is HERE.

POWER OUTAGES: The FPL tracker is HERE.

POWER OUTAGES: Find a tool to track power outages in the United States HERE

AIRPORT: A tool to track RSW flights for delays and cancellations

Hurricane Milton intensified this morning and became a Category 3 major hurricane.

So what are your plans for Hurricane Milton?

Southwest Florida International Airport says it’s operational today, but suggested passengers check with their airlines for updates, business reporter Laura Layden found.

It further stated: “We do not yet know what impact the weather will have on flights later in the week.”

Check flights and more at flyrsw.com.

Stunning Fast Intensification: Hurricane Milton is currently a Category 4 storm with winds of 150 miles per hour

The Collier County utility said it is prepared to provide essential life-sustaining services during and after the storm, according to a news release from Layden.

Water and sewage treatment plants are equipped with backup generators that ensure continuous operation. In addition, mobile generators and pump trucks were placed at facilities throughout the service area. All public utility buildings are prepared for storm surges. Contractors are on standby to help residents remove the effects of the failure.

The utility is asking its 200,000 customers in unincorporated Collier County, the cities of Marco Island and the Everglades to follow these key tips for safely navigating the storm.

Before the storm:

During heavy rainfall, rainwater should not be directed into the sewage system by opening cleanouts and sewage manhole covers. This is illegal and may result in home backups.
Do not place debris from Hurricane Helene out for collection. If there is already debris at the curb, please contact our customer service team at (239) 252-2380 to arrange for it to be removed.
Take advantage of Collier County’s twice-weekly garbage and recycling collection service and wait until the next collection day to reduce the risk of wind-blown debris entering your storm drain.

During and after the storm:

After heavy rainfall, sewage manhole caps and covers should not be removed. It is important to prevent stormwater from entering drains to prevent it from entering homes.
If your area has been flooded by storm surge, report it to 311. Refrain from using appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. This will help speed up recovery from the storm.

Residents with questions can call Collier County 311 or (239) 252-8444. Information can also be found at www.colliercountyfl.gov and on social media including www.facebook.com/CollierGov and www.twitter.com/CollierGov.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Collier County, Naples Daily News reporter J. Kyle Foster reports. A storm watch – also issued for our area – means there is a possibility of life-threatening flooding over the next 48 hours from rising water moving inland from the coast.

Hurricane Milton is forecast to intensify rapidly and become a major hurricane later today. A voluntary evacuation order is in effect on Marco and Goodland Islands. Residents are asked to seek shelter in higher areas. Storm surges in our area are expected to be between 4 and 7 feet.

Anyone with an iPhone 14 or newer can connect to the satellite if their Wi-Fi connection is lost.

The service for Apple customers allows you to text emergency services, call for roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share your location.

Go to support.apple.com to learn more.

How to use satellite on iPhone

iPhone users can connect to satellites to call 911 or send messages to loved ones when there is no Wi-Fi or cellular service.

Problem solved

Collier County Public Schools announced Sunday that there will be no classes Monday through Thursday “due to the multiple timing and intensity variables of Hurricane Milton.”

Check your emails or for a full update.

Additionally, Naples Country School said Sunday it had canceled classes through Thursday “to give teachers and families time to prepare or evacuate if they so choose,” said school principal Dennis D. Chapman.

“Many residents of our community have already evacuated their homes,” he said, adding that these days will be considered distance learning days.

Hurricane Milton is in the headlines on Sunday

Preparing for Hurricane Milton: Everything you need to know

For exterior and interior home viewing, pets and additional resources, go HERE.

Video: Use consumables

Tropical Storm Milton: Plywood popular at North Naples Home Depot

A Home Depot employee recovers more plywood on October 6, 2024, at the Pine Ridge Road store in North Naples, Florida.