Plus, airport and school closures.
 
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Today’s Forecast

84º | 40% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:26 a.m. | Sunset 7:07 p.m. | Tides | Old Tampa Bay | Low: 1:39 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 4:52 p.m. | Low: 9:48 a.m. + 8:19 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

A Message From Our Team
Hey, TBAY. We hope you’re preparing yourself and your families for Hurricane Milton.

Remember, heed evacuation orders, make sure to get prep done early, and follow trusted news sources to stay in the loop. We’ll be right here alongside you, weathering the storm.
 

It’s time to get prepped, TBAY

Stay in the know ahead of Hurricane Milton
A screenshot of Hurricane Milton's projection, showing at what times the storm approaches Tampa Bay.
This is a projection of when tropical-storm-force winds will arrive. | Graphic via NHC
It’s been 103 years since a hurricane made landfall in the Tampa Bay area. That statistic could end this week.

Hurricane Milton was upgraded to a Category 5 storm, and is projected to hit the Tampa Bay area as a devastating Category 3 storm. We’re here to give you the best resources for staying informed.

The need-to-know info

First and foremost, Milton is expected to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast late Wednesday.

Forecasters warn the Tampa Bay area could see “life-threatening storm surge” of 10 to 15 ft. As of Monday at 6 p.m., Milton was pushing east-southeast at 10 mph with sustained wind speeds of 180 mph.

A map of the state of Florida shows potential storm surge during Hurricane Milton, with the Tampa Bay area expected to see 10 to 15 ft.

The level of storm surge is potentially life threatening.

|

Screenshot via the National Hurricane Center

Keep your eyes peeled for updates from the National Hurricane Center. The NHC releases new info every six hours, at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. That’s when you’ll see more about the potential path of the storm, and nearer the time, you’ll get even more specific path and effect predictions, plus more frequent updates.

We also recommend signing up for Alert Tampa, the city’s emergency alerts system — and Alert Pinellas if you’re in Pinellas County — for updates on evacuation orders being lifted, shelters, and storm debris pickups.

Don’t know what flood zone you’re in? Look up your address in Hillsborough County, and here’s the equivalent Pinellas resource.

If you’re told to evacuate, follow the order. As the storm gets closer, first responders may not be able to reach you due to treacherous conditions, other calls + massive amounts of debris piled along the streets.

Those in evacuation zones can check into a shelter, stay with a friend in a non-evacuation zone, or book a hotel room further inland (though we know gas is hard to come by now).

If you do stay home, you can prepare by turning your breaker off to prevent a potential electrical fire during flooding or put water bottles in your freezer to keep it colder longer.
What to do post-storm
 
Events
Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled, changed, or postponed due to inclement weather.

Friday, Oct. 11
  • SHINE Festival Opening Event | Friday, Oct. 11 | 5 p.m. | Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg | Free | It’s time to celebrate 10 years of the renowned mural festival with a group exhibition featuring artists from every year.
  • Dishes & Wishes: A Taste of Tampa Bay | Friday, Oct. 11 | 7-11 p.m. | Armature Works | $150 | Sample eats from some of TBAY’s best restaurants, plus enjoy an an open bar, auctions, and tunes by The SugarSax and DJ Anthony Carollo.
  • “Prom Night” | Friday, Oct. 11 | 10 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $10 | Take it back to the eighties with this Halloween classic starring Jamie Lee Curtis + an intro by a Ringling College of Art & Design professor.
  • Oktoberfest Tampa | Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 13 | Times vary | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | $43 | Prost your friends and foes at the annual riverfront party featuring tons of brews, German eats, and heaps of cheer.
Saturday, Oct. 12
  • Full Body Workout | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 9:30 a.m. | Intersection of Twiggs and Tampa streets, Downtown Tampa | Free | Get a good weekend sweat in with this Rumble Boxing sesh — bring a towel and water bottle.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Announced
  • Shelters are open across the Tampa Bay area. Find a safe haven near you in Hillsborough or Pinellas. And make sure to bring your furry family members too: There are pet-friendly shelters available.
Community
  • Tampa Bay’s older residents may not have the resources to evacuate — but local officials can help. Pinellas residents can call the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333 for help, and Hillsborough residents with special needs residents can call 833-427-8676. (Tampa Bay Times)
Civic
  • Both Tampa + St. Pete have opened debris sites for residents to drop off remnants from Hurricane Helene. If you can’t make it to a site, make sure to bring your debris inside or secure it under a tarp so it doesn’t become projectiles in the wind.
Transit
  • Need a ride to a shelter? Both HART and PSTA are offering free rides before Hurricane Milton hits to help residents get to shelters.
Pets
  • Now’s the time to make sure you’re ready to weather the storm with Fido. The American Kennel Club recommends having enough pet food and water for three days, medication, and medical records. Check out the full list.
Travel
  • Tampa International stopped flights this morning as Hurricane Milton approaches. TPA will reopen once it is safe to do so. Follow the airport on social media for reopening updates.
Edu
  • Hillsborough and Pinellas county schools are closed through at least tomorrow, Oct. 9 due to the impending hurricane. (10 Tampa Bay)
Give Back
  • Feeding Tampa Bay will almost certainly need volunteers post-Milton to help serve our neighbors. Follow the nonprofit for updates on distribution centers + how to help.
Plan Ahead
  • We all need something to look forward to. Tickets to Taste of Water Street just dropped. Head to the bustling neighborhood on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. to sample eats from 20+ neighborhood spots.
Sports
  • Which young Bolts players will take advantage of the openings on the roster? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Finance
    • Credit cards that can help you get out of debt sound as wacky as pumpkin spice deodorant (yes, it’s real). But the concept is legit: Find a card with “0% intro APR” for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best offering no interest until 2026.*
    Edu
    • Interested in working with a local tutor — or taking lessons virtually? Wyzant’s vetted instructors can help with 300+ topics, from core subjects to musical skills. The best part? It’s pay-as-you-go and starts as low as $10/session. (Psst... special offer this way.)*
     
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    The Buy
    PrimeBigDealDays-FESTIVE-Lead.gif
    Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale is an annual fall event. | Gif by 6AM City
    It’s time for Amazon’s highly anticipated October sale — just in time for festive season. Prime Big Deal Days is live today and tomorrow, with discounts on big-ticket items and everyday essentials alike.

    For a gathering-ready home

    Shark Wet Dry Vacuum Mop, $299.99 $199.99 | This all-in-one cordless vacuum can clean up dirt + debris, spills, and everything in between.

    DeWALT Cordless Drill Kit, $179 $99 | An equipment upgrade = more DIY projects done before the holidays.

    For getting warm and cozy

    Soft Knit Oversized Cardigan, $58.99 $28.49 | Elevate your work-from-home look while staying comfy.

    Men’s Soft Flannel, $34.99 $29.74 | This 100% soft cotton shirt is ideal for both layered and standalone wear.

    To get a jumpstart on holiday gifts

    Home Golf Simulator, $249 174.30 | The ultimate gift for golfers — they can practice their swing + play with family and friends.

    Luxury Towel Warmer, $150.99 $89.99 | There’s no cozier gift than warm towels all winter long.
     
    The Buy
     
    Choose your must-have Halloween item, both on sale for Prime Big Deal Days: these party-ready pumpkin + ghost lidded glass cups (now 20% off), or this no-effort skeleton onesie costume (now 38% off).
     
     
    The Wrap
     
    Bailey Lefever in a park near a pond

    Today’s edition by:
    Bailey
    From the editor
    We’re here to keep you in the know. Please let us know if you have any questions we can try to answer about Milton.
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