Impact of Hurricane Milton on South Florida: Critical Updates
MIAMI — The approach of Hurricane Milton has prompted widespread closures across South Florida, affecting schools, universities, transportation, government offices, and entertainment venues. As communities come together to prepare for the potential impact of the storm, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest updates and disruptions.
K-12 Schools
In light of the impending storm, school districts throughout the region have made the decision to close.
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Miami-Dade County: The district closed all campuses at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Classes and adult education activities were canceled, and offices will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Broward County: The school district’s offices were shut down, with after-school activities canceled by 4 p.m. on Tuesday. All campuses will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Monroe County: All campuses and district offices will be closed starting Wednesday.
- Palm Beach County: Schools will be closed from Tuesday through Thursday, following a Professional Development Day that was already scheduled.
Additionally, all Archdiocese of Miami Catholic schools across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday. After-school activities were canceled following the 5 p.m. announcement on Tuesday.
Universities and Colleges
Higher education institutions have also adjusted their schedules in response to the weather forecast.
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Florida International University (FIU): Closed from 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, with all classes, including online ones, canceled.
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Florida Atlantic University (FAU): Suspended operations, including online classes, also from 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. On-campus residents are allowed to remain in their buildings.
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University of Miami: Classes reverted to a remote format starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, continuing through Thursday. All in-person meetings and events have been canceled.
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Nova Southeastern University: Closed its various campuses from 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, affecting several satellite locations.
- Miami Dade College and Broward College are both halting operations and classes during this period.
Transportation Services
Transportation across South Florida is also facing interruptions.
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Tri-Rail: Operations are suspended on Wednesday and Thursday due to anticipated severe weather conditions. railroad activity must be paused whenever sustained winds reach 39 mph.
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Brightline: While South Florida train stations will still operate, services between West Palm Beach and Orlando will cease for both Wednesday and Thursday.
- Palm Tran and Broward Transit: Some services were suspended, while others are operating with potential detours. Current updates suggest that Metrorail and Metromover operations continue as scheduled.
Government Offices
Government functions are being temporarily halted in various counties:
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Miami-Dade County: Non-essential government offices, including the courts, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Broward County: All government buildings, courts included, will also close during this period.
- Monroe County will see closures of non-essential government offices on Wednesday.
Health Facilities
Health service offices in the region are closing their doors for safety.
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The Florida Department of Health offices in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will also be closed on Wednesday.
- Furthermore, all Florida Blue Centers locations ceased operations early on Wednesday and will remain closed until further notice.
Roads and Bridges
In advance of Hurricane Milton’s expected impact, steps are being taken to secure roadways and bridges.
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Lockdowns: The Florida Department of Transportation has initiated the lockdown of various bridges across Miami-Dade and Broward counties to protect them from potential storm damage.
- Major bridges, including those on the Miami River and Intracoastal Waterway, are closing to marine traffic, with further announcements expected as conditions develop.
Entertainment Updates
The impact of Hurricane Milton extends to local entertainment and events.
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Miami Heat has postponed their preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks, now rescheduled for Wednesday, October 16. Tickets purchased for the original date will be honored.
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Florida Panthers canceled a planned champions’ ring ceremony as a precaution. However, they still plan to proceed with their season opener against the Boston Bruins.
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Zoo Miami will close from Tuesday through Thursday, and other venues are reevaluating schedules based on the storm’s trajectory.
- Additionally, various concerts, including Usher’s upcoming shows, have been rescheduled as safety remains the primary concern for all involved.
Stay tuned for more updates as authorities continue to monitor Hurricane Milton’s progress and its implications for South Florida. Residents are encouraged to prioritize safety and make necessary preparations for the storm.