Why disaster evacuation in the U.S. is so difficult

In the days leading up to Hurricane Milton’s landfall, Florida has become a case study of the issues facing Americans during severe weather evacuations.

Over the past few days, Florida has been defined by images of gridlock and barren gas stations, as desperate drivers seek to escape Hurricane Milton. In response, Florida officials have suspended tolls and allowed driving on road shoulders, and sent state troopers to escort fuel trucks and supervise gas stations, where tensions are running high.