DETROIT – We’ve been checking in with native Michiganders who are executing their plans ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. Everyone we spoke to is taking the storm seriously and setting themselves up based on the recommendations of local officials.
Related: This is FEMA’s role in preparing for Hurricane Milton
Tara Fairchild is from Milan. She and her husband moved to Winter Garden, about 20 minutes outside of Orlando 5 years ago.
“This one is really scary sounding. The other ones that we’ve been through they’ve pretty much missed us or glanced off of us, they really haven’t done any damage for us.”
This time looks to be different. Fairchild says officials have warned residents to expect hurricane-force winds, which is different from prior storms.
“It’s going to hit a lot of us. We are definitely in its path this time and we’re supposed to get hurricane-force winds whereas before it would be tropical-force winds.”
There isn’t much of a concern for flooding in her area but she says sandbags are available and they’re been advised to remove items from their yard to keep them from flying around in the storm.
On the other side of the state, Christine Agius and her family of four are riding out the storm in Tampa.
“We just moved here in June and of course this happens,” said Agius who relocated from Livonia.
She says her neighborhood is outside of the evacuation zone, and that neighbors have been helping her and her family get prepared for what’s to come.
In addition to stocking up on food and water, the Agius’ have drained their pool, removed some screens from their lanai and locked their garage, all little things that she’s been told will help.
She describes the mood around town as eerie, especially now.
“It’s been really crazy. Gas stations are out of gas, stores are out of everything,” and for those who waited until the last minute, it’s too late now as stores have closed.
We spoke with Sharese Franklin in downtown Detroit. She just arrived in town Tuesday, Oct. 8, after evacuating from her home in Estero, Florida. Estero is located about 20 minutes north of Naples and she remembers the devastation following Hurricane Ian.
“It was devastating from the flood and storm surge.”
With those memories fresh in her mind, she decided to come back to Michigan to visit with her daughter. She says she does not plan on returning until Milton passes through the state.
Read more: Why locals believe Tampa Bay is protected from direct hurricane hits by a supernatural force