Military prepares for Hurricane Milton as storm threatens Florida

As a second major hurricane in as many weeks barrels towards the southern United States, the Pentagon has been tasked with pre-staging high-water vehicles and helicopters for both search and rescue and transporting relief supplies and troops in central Florida after Hurricane Milton.

The preparations come as close to 10,000 soldiers and other service members are deployed to relief efforts of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, Tennessee and elsewhere in that storm’s path.

Milton became a Category-5 hurricane – the strongest type of storm – on Monday, but it could weaken before it arrives in Florida on Wednesday or Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has already tasked the Defense Department for support with relief efforts after Milton passes, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman.