10/9/2024
According to media reports, Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall overnight as a major hurricane. Milton is now a Category 4 storm, bordering Category 5 as it approaches the Florida coast. Initially expected to arrive in the southern part of Tampa Bay, the storm is now projected to come ashore 20 to 25 miles to the south, closer to the Sarasota area, as a major hurricane, likely a Category 3 or higher. The projected storm surge for Tampa Bay has been slightly reduced Wednesday morning from up to 15 to around 12 feet due to this updated track.
Actions to Take:
For assistance with adjusting rental approvals, please contact a member of your Wheels Account Team.
With regular-grade fuel supplies potentially limited, drivers may need to refuel more frequently. Please review your fuel limits and adjust them as needed with your Wheels account team.
General Updates:
- OEMs: Based on various reports we are receiving, vehicle manufacturers and partners are shutting down operations and truck traffic in the impacted areas and will re-open after the storm depending on conditions.
- Vehicles at Dealers and Upfitters: We have identified potentially impacted vehicles at dealerships and upfitters in the projected path of the hurricane. Our team is closely monitoring the situation, and we will assess the condition of these vehicles as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Roadside Assistance: The Driver Services team is fully prepared to handle increased volumes as they are located all over North America. We are assessing the situation and expect business as usual for the time being.
- Toll Roads: There is a temporary halt to toll collections across Central and West Florida, including Alligator Alley.
- DMV Operations: DMVs around impacted regions will be closed and we are monitoring any service disruptions.
Important Reminders:
- Be aware that fuel shortages may occur, and prices may increase.
- Roadside assistance will prioritize emergency situations.
- EV charging apps can assist in locating stations along recommended evacuation routes.
- Rental vehicles may be scarce or unavailable in certain areas.
- For hurricane safety tips, visit the Hurricane Resource Hub.
The Wheels Hurricane Task Force will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Please reach out to your account team with any questions or if additional support is needed.
10/8/2024
According to media reports, Hurricane Milton is currently located about 545 miles southwest of Tampa. As of 8 AM EST, it remains a powerful Category 4 storm, generating sustained winds of 145 mph and moving east-northeast at 12 mph. Hurricane warnings are in effect across much of central Florida, from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic, including the Tampa Bay area, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Daytona Beach. Dangerous hurricane-force winds are expected along the coast and well into the interior of central Florida.
Actions to Take:
With regular-grade fuel supplies potentially limited, drivers may need to refuel more frequently. Please review your fuel limits and adjust them as needed with your Wheels account team.
For assistance with adjusting rental approvals, please contact a member of your Wheels Account Team.
General Updates:
- Vehicles at Dealers and Upfitters: We have identified potentially impacted vehicles at dealerships and upfitters in the projected path of the hurricane. Our team is closely monitoring the situation, and we will assess the condition of these vehicles as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Roadside Assistance: The Driver Services team is fully prepared to handle increased volumes as they are located all over North America. We are assessing the situation and expect business as usual for the time being.
- OEMs: We are working with the vehicle manufacturers to stay updated on any impacts to their production and logistics.
- Toll Roads: In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered a temporary halt to toll collections across Central and West Florida, including Alligator Alley.
- DMV Operations: The Bradenton, FL location will be closed on Wednesday, with plans to reopen on Thursday, pending any complications from the storm.
Important Reminders:
- Be aware that fuel shortages may occur, and prices may increase.
- Roadside assistance will prioritize emergency situations.
- EV charging apps can assist in locating stations along recommended evacuation routes.
- Rental vehicles may be scarce or unavailable in certain areas.
- For hurricane safety tips, visit the Hurricane Resource Hub.
The Wheels Hurricane Task Force will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Please reach out to your account team with any questions or if additional support is needed.
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