8.52°C Vancouver
connect fm logo

Oct 9, 2024 5:32 PM - Connect Newsroom – Jasmine Singh, with files from The Canadian Press

Foreign affairs minister urges Canadians to leave Florida ahead of devastating storm

Share On
foreign-affairs-minister-urges-canadians-to-leave-florida-ahead-of-devastating-storm
The storm was downgraded this morning to a Category 4 but is expected to bring deadly storm surge, rain and winds. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is urging Canadians currently in Florida to leave immediately and warning others to postpone travel plans as Hurricane Milton moves toward the state’s west coast.

The storm, downgraded early Thursday to Category 4 strength, is still expected to bring deadly storm surge, torrential rain and destructive winds. Milton is forecast to make landfall later today in the Tampa Bay region — home to more than 3.3 million people — before moving east through Sarasota, Orlando and Daytona Beach.

Millions of residents have been ordered to evacuate as emergency crews brace for what could be one of the most powerful storms to strike Florida in decades.

Joly said Florida remains a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds and tourists, though her office does not know how many Canadians are currently in the affected areas. She confirmed that Global Affairs Canada has been in contact with U.S. authorities and that registered Canadians have been sent email alerts advising them to evacuate.

The minister also reminded Canadians to stay connected with the Canadian embassy and consulates in the United States for updates and assistance as conditions worsen.

Latest news

See All
solutions-to-addictions-discussed-at-welfare-for-all-workshop-in-surrey
BCDec 08, 2025

Solutions to addictions discussed at Welfare of all workshop in Surrey

A welfare workshop was organized by the Vaapsi Seva Society this weekend at the Khalsa School, located near 120th Street and Old Yale Road in Surrey. The aim of this workshop was to educate people about addiction and mental health. The event continued from 1 pm to around 5 pm. Audience listens to the speaker at a welfare forum organized by Vaapsi Seva SocietyDuring this, various speakers shared their views and explained to the nearly 300 people who attended the workshop, based on their knowledge and experiences, the harms of substance use and addictions and its impact on the community. Audien
carney-says-details-of-federal-return-to-office-plan-expected-within-weeks
CanadaDec 08, 2025

Carney says details of federal return-to-office plan expected within weeks

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will soon clarify how often public servants will be required to work from their offices, signalling that updated expectations should become clearer in the coming weeks. His comments came during a discussion with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at the mayor’s monthly breakfast event hosted by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal. Carney said in-person attendance requirements will not be uniform across the federal workforce and will instead reflect employees’ roles, responsibilities and seniority. He noted that the gover
burnaby-rcmp-seizes-high-value-stolen-goods-after-search-at-vancouver-home
BCDec 08, 2025

Burnaby RCMP seizes high value stolen goods after search at Vancouver home

Burnaby RCMP says a coordinated investigation into organized retail theft has led to the recovery of about $40,000 in stolen merchandise following a search at a Vancouver residence earlier this week. The operation was launched after the detachment’s Community Response Team received information that high end clothing was being resold through an online marketplace. Officers from the Community Response Team and the Bike Section executed the warrant on November 19, locating more than 230 items linked to stores in Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam and West Vancouver. Police also seized more than $2,0
air-transat-pilots-issue-strike-notice-as-contract-talks-stall-flights-set-to-wind-down-early-next-week
CanadaDec 08, 2025

Air Transat pilots issue strike notice as contract talks stall, flights set to wind down early next week

Air Transat travellers are being told to prepare for significant disruption after the union representing the airline’s 750 pilots served a 72-hour strike notice. The Air Line Pilots Association says its members will walk off the job Wednesday morning unless contract talks with Transat A.T. Inc. show meaningful progress. The notice follows nearly a year of negotiations and a 21-day cooling-off period that ends December 10, the first day pilots can legally strike or the company can issue a lockout. Transat says it is continuing round-the-clock discussions but warned that flight operations will
AlbertaDec 08, 2025

Heavy snowfall and high winds expected across northern and southern Alberta through Tuesday

Northern and southeastern Alberta are bracing for significant winter weather as a fast-moving system pushes across the province. Environment Canada says communities throughout the Peace Region, including Grande Prairie and areas near Athabasca, could receive 15 to 30 centimetres of snow by late Monday, with some brief pauses possible before the system intensifies again. South of Edmonton, a winter storm watch has been issued for regions around Red Deer and Medicine Hat. Forecasters warn the incoming front may deliver heavy rain, strong winds and periods of snow, creating unpredictable conditio

Related News

Carney says details of federal return-to-office plan expected within weeks

Carney says details of federal return-to-office plan expected within weeks

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will soon clarify how often public servants will be required to work from their offices, signalling that updated expectations should become clearer in the coming weeks. His comments came during a discussion with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at the mayor’s monthly breakfast event hosted by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal. Carney said in-person attendance requirements will not be uniform across the federal workforce and will instead reflect employees’ roles, responsibilities and seniority. He noted that the gover
Air Transat pilots issue strike notice as contract talks stall, flights set to wind down early next week

Air Transat pilots issue strike notice as contract talks stall, flights set to wind down early next week

Air Transat travellers are being told to prepare for significant disruption after the union representing the airline’s 750 pilots served a 72-hour strike notice. The Air Line Pilots Association says its members will walk off the job Wednesday morning unless contract talks with Transat A.T. Inc. show meaningful progress. The notice follows nearly a year of negotiations and a 21-day cooling-off period that ends December 10, the first day pilots can legally strike or the company can issue a lockout. Transat says it is continuing round-the-clock discussions but warned that flight operations will
Woman dies after vehicle crashes near Golden Ears Bridge, RCMP investigating

Woman dies after vehicle crashes near Golden Ears Bridge, RCMP investigating

Ridge Meadows RCMP are examining the circumstances surrounding a fatal single–vehicle crash that occurred near the Golden Ears Bridge on Saturday evening. Officers were called to the south end of the bridge at about 8:30 p.m. after reports that a northbound vehicle had gone out of control. Police say a witness saw the vehicle veer off course and strike a light pole. The woman driving the vehicle was the only person inside. Despite immediate efforts by the witness and first responders, she died at the scene. Investigators believe speed may have played a role in the collision. Officers are ask
connect fm logo

Legals

Privacy policy
Journalism code of ethics
© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.
MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

About
Advertisers
Careers
Contact
Feedback
Accessibility Plan
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link