Evacuees from Florida Seek Shelter in Charlotte as Hurricane Milton Approaches

Evacuees from Florida Arrive in Charlotte as Hurricane Milton Approaches

Charlotte, N.C. – As the winds of Hurricane Milton pick up speed and anticipation builds along the Gulf Coast, many are seeking refuge in Charlotte. On Monday night, evacuees from Florida’s west coast began pouring into the city, escaping the looming threat of one of the most powerful storms this year.

A Family’s Decision to Evacuate

Among those arriving were Ron and Pamela Sikkema from Bradenton, Florida. They made their way to Charlotte after catching an early flight, following a strong suggestion from their son. Flying out on Saturday turned out to be a smart decision – just hours later, all flights from Sarasota were fully booked.

Reflecting on their choice to leave, Pam expressed concern for what awaited them back home. “I was there for Helene and saw the devastation, so when they started saying another one is coming right at us, I was like, this is going to be bad,” she said. With anxiety etched on her face, she added, “The wind damage is what we have no idea of. Trees start falling; they start going toward your house. You don’t know what you’re going to come back to.”

A New Experience for Many

Joining the Sikkemas at Charlotte Douglas International Airport was Dave Kozlowski, who hails from the Tampa area. With over 40 years of living in Florida, this was a first for him when it came to evacuating from a storm. “All my life we’ve just stayed in it, stayed through it,” Dave shared. “We’ve been blessed, we’ve been lucky, but this time we’re scared.” The urgency of the situation was clear, and like many others, he decided to heed his family’s advice and get out.

Charlotte Welcomes Evacuees

North Carolinians, including those in Charlotte, understand the heartache a hurricane can bring. Just last month, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in parts of Western North Carolina, leaving many to pick up the pieces. “It’s really tough. I hate to see these storms come through anytime, especially back-to-back like that,” remarked Dillon Lewis, another evacuee from Tampa. His sentiment reflects a shared understanding among those impacted by these natural disasters.

Timing the Storm

As Hurricane Milton is projected to make landfall late Wednesday night, the sense of urgency hangs heavy in the air. Evacuations in parts of Florida are ongoing, with families scrambling to find safety and shelter. The storm, categorized as a dangerous Category 5, prompts swift action and concern from those who have experienced the aftermath of hurricanes before.

The stories of those who fled illustrate the fear and unpredictability that come with hurricanes. They are a tight-knit group, united by their shared experiences and the wish for a life unscathed by nature’s unpredictability. As the storm draws near, it serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of heeding warnings.

Looking Ahead

For the Sikkemas and Kozlowskis, the priority is simply staying safe. They’ve left their homes behind and now look to Charlotte for comfort and support as Hurricane Milton rages onward. It’s a tough spot for many, but in the midst of chaos, there is a sense of camaraderie among evacuees who rely on each other to navigate this challenging time.

As the residents of Charlotte watch the skies and track Hurricane Milton’s path, their hearts go out to those still in harm’s way. Together, they hope for the best outcome possible, holding onto the belief that safety and resilience will prevail in the face of trouble.