By Anika Besst, Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton, Minnesota Public Radio News
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed an emergency executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton.
“Minnesota will provide every resource we can to support communities across the south that have been devastated this hurricane season,” Walz said in a statement. “In this time of crisis, Minnesota’s first responders have demonstrated unyielding dedication. Their efforts are making a critical difference.”
Hurricane Milton was approaching Florida on Tuesday as a Category 4 storm — slightly weaker than the previous day, but still a dangerous storm capable of producing devastating wind and storm surge. It’s forecast to make landfall near Tampa Bay late Wednesday.
It comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene left much of Florida’s Gulf Coast and large parts of the southeastern United States in shambles.
MPR’s Cathy Wurzer spoke with retired MPR and National Weather Service Twin Cities meteorologist Craig Edwards on Tuesday morning. Edwards is now living in Fort Myers — away from the coast — and is sheltering in place for the storm.