BARTOW, Fla. — As Hurricane Milton nears landfall somewhere on the western Gulf Coast of Florida, officials in Polk County warn the threat isn't over once it does.
First responders are anticipating storm, which reached Category 5 status already, to continue its path into Polk County, bringing with it strong winds and potential for flooding.
"Those winds we anticipate will knock down trees, which will knock down power lines, could damage homes, roads could be blocked," Paul Womble, the county's emergency management director said.
Womble said the county is also expecting power outages due to the storm with sustained winds hitting the county at potentially 70 to 80 mph, and gusts nearing 100 mph.
Womble said that's especially concerning for people living in mobile homes, RVs, or campers.
Another main concern is the threat of increased rainfall. Womble said the impacts could be felt as early as lunchtime Wednesday and conditions will only continue to deteriorate.
At last check, at least 1,400 people have evacuated into the 19 emergency shelters available countywide, as of Tuesday afternoon.
Some residents have had enough.
Felix Atkinson, 69, of Bartow said he's ready to move away from the state after Hurricane Milton makes landfall.
"I've told my wife I'm ready to get the heck out of here. I'm ready to leave Florida," Atkinson said. "I want to go to where I don't have to face this junk no more."
Atkinson said flooding from the nearby Peace River at his mobile home park from Hurricane Ian in 2022 was bad enough, however, the emotional toll of Hurricanes Debby and Helene in the last couple months have been the final straw.
"It's too much," he said. "I've been here since 1971 and that's enough for me."
Atkinson is among those evacuating elsewhere to avoid potentially being harmed from Milton.
He hopes others who live in vulnerable areas, including mobile home parks or RVs, will heed warnings from officials, too.
Polk County is also restricting some services including the landfill will close Wednesday afternoon. Polk County parks have already closed until further notice including the boat ramps.
The county's emergency operations center has since been fully activated in response to Milton.
For a list of shelters available in Polk County and surrounding areas, please visit this link.