Supermarkets Adjust Hours Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Supermarkets Adjust Hours Ahead of Hurricane Milton
Precautions Taken Due to the Hurricane
Here are the details.

With the imminent arrival of Hurricane Milton on Florida’s coast, major supermarket chains such as Publix, Walmart, and Sam’s Club have taken steps to modify their operating hours.

Publix has activated an online tracker allowing customers to check for any changes in their local stores’ schedules.

The chain already closed many of its locations in southwest Florida last Tuesday when evacuation orders were issued for residents. “We are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton.

At this time, many stores in the storm’s path have adjusted their hours,” the company states on its website.

Supermarkets Adjust Hours Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Where is Hurricane Milton? Forecasters share timeline for when storm will hit Florida https://t.co/OH3AcsAvLw pic.twitter.com/OasdglGdHo

—Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) October 8, 2024

Walmart and its sister store, Sam’s Club, have also closed several locations in anticipation of the hurricane’s impact. They continuously update an online tracker to inform customers about the status of their stores in Florida.

“Teams across the company are working to support the communities we call home,” reads a message on Walmart’s website, which also expressed gratitude to associates preparing for the hurricane’s arrival.

Following the state’s declaration of a state of emergency, many residents rushed to purchase essential goods, leaving store shelves empty throughout the state.

The weather event, described as a historic storm, began affecting Florida’s Gulf Coast early Wednesday morning, with the storm’s full force expected to strike Tampa Bay later in the day.

Hurricane Milton Classified as a Category 5 Storm

Massive line for water at a Walmart in Central Florida as people get prepared for Hurricane Milton pic.twitter.com/HDouE974CJ

—TONY (@TONYxTWO) October 7, 2024

Hurricane Milton has been classified as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds of up to 160 mph, according to the 5 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center.

Waffle House, known for its ability to operate during natural disasters, has become an indicator of the storm’s severity. The company uses its «Waffle House Index» as a barometer of post-storm conditions: if a restaurant remains open, the community can consider the hurricane’s impact manageable.

Conversely, a closed establishment is often interpreted as a sign of impending devastation.

Local authorities and businesses continue urging residents to stay safe and follow evacuation and safety instructions as they brace for this historic hurricane.

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