Memphis Family Escapes Hurricane Milton Just in Time
Memphis, Tenn. — Life can throw some unexpected curveballs, and for one family flying back to Memphis from Florida, they certainly felt the urgency ahead of Hurricane Milton. As news reports began warning travelers of impending closures at several Florida airports, everyone seemed to be buzzing with concern for the safety of those still in the path of the hurricane.
Taking Action in the Nick of Time
Cicely Williams, a dedicated mother and 11-year resident of Florida, decided it was time to take her two young boys and head home. When she received the alert that schools were shutting down from Monday through Wednesday, she felt the storm’s looming threat.
“I got a bad feeling right after that,” Williams shared. Those instincts kicked in, prompting her to pack their bags and make a beeline for Orlando. Her goal was simple—hop on the next flight back to her hometown, Memphis, and get away from the storm’s destructive path.
Guiding Her Sons Through Uncertainty
As traffic on I-75 slowed to a crawl, Williams remained focused on the well-being of her children. Although she didn’t live near the Sun Coast, where the mandatory evacuations were happening, her thoughts were solely about keeping her boys safe. “I told them that there is a storm coming, and we’re going to go home to Memphis and get out of the storm’s way,” she explained with a reassuring tone. “So God can do what God needs to do.”
The Flight Home
Despite feeling a bit anxious about their travel plans, Williams managed to get her family on a flight back to Memphis before the storm hit. She expressed her relief saying, “I was a little nervous on my ability to get out of there,” but that nervousness was quickly replaced by a sense of calm and purpose. It was all about family and safety at that moment.
Thoughts of Home in Tampa
Even though they arrived back in the Bluff City safely, concern for her home in Tampa lingered in Williams’ mind. She spoke candidly about leaving everything in the Lord’s hands and having faith that whatever happens next is part of a greater plan. “All material things essentially don’t matter,” she reflected. Her thoughts and prayers extended beyond her own family, reaching out to friends and loved ones still hunkering down in Tampa.
Rest and Recuperation
Now back in Memphis, Williams looks forward to resting and spending quality time with her boys. “I’m sure we’ll find plenty to do and ways to enjoy ourselves while we’re here,” she said with a smile. Despite the whirlwind of feelings from the evacuation, her attitude radiates positivity and strength, reminding everyone around her that family and faith are invaluable amid turbulence.
As the community in Memphis awaits news about the storm’s impact, this family serves as a reminder of the importance of readiness and resilience. Evacuations can be stressful, but with a little planning and a lot of faith, families can unite and weather any storm—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet evening at home or exploring familiar streets, there’s no doubt this family is grateful to be back in Memphis together.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
