Memphis Family Stranded in Florida as Hurricane Milton Approaches
Memphis, Tennessee โ In a twist of fate that no one ever hopes for, a family from Memphis now finds themselves caught in the eye of Hurricane Milton as it barrels toward Florida. Stranded since Monday, their fall break vacation has turned into a tense waiting game as they try to navigate their way back home. The earliest they can return, they say, is Sunday.
“There’s a Lot of Panic”
Marlo Matthews, who traveled to Orlando with his son, described the atmosphere on the ground as chaotic. โThereโs a lot of panic,โ he noted. โPeople are running out of gas on the expressway, making it nearly impossible for some to leave.โ The family had planned a fun getaway, but now, they find themselves facing challenging circumstances as the storm threatens to bring heavy winds, flooding, and storm surges to parts of Florida.
โMy return flight for Thursday got cancelled,โ Matthews explained. โI bought a ticket for Wednesday, and guess what? It was cancelled too. Even my international flight out of Canada for Monday met the same fate. Everything is falling apart.โ These troubles have turned their vacation into an experience nobody could have predicted, making social media posts filled with excitement feel like they were from another lifetime.
Preparing for the Storm
The approaching hurricane has left families not only in distress but also bracing themselves for the unexpected. Matthews expressed appreciation for the resort they are currently at. โThankfully, the resort is stocked with what I need to stay safe,โ he said. They have everything in place to wait it out, and he remains hopeful that they will eventually return to Memphis safely next week.
The family wasnโt the only one feeling the pressure of the storm. Many families have reported similar situations, fearfully watching weather updates and expressing their concerns for their safety and the uncertain future of their travel plans. Airports and highways are buzzing with activity as people try to get out of Florida before the storm strikes.
“No Way Out”
Matthews summed up the frustration of many stranded in Florida, saying, โThere is no way out of here.โ The atmosphere is tense, with many checking in on flights and travel advisories, hoping for any sign of normalcy. Those who canโt drive out are left hoping for an available flight that could give them a way home.
As Hurricane Milton continues to develop, residents and visitors alike are urged to take the necessary precautions. Local news reports highlight the real-time situations alongside safety tips to keep the public informed. Many are turning to emergency kits, preparing non-perishable food and water supplies in case they become isolated.
Remaining Vigilant
While this unexpected vacation twist was not on Matthews’ itinerary, he and his son are trying to remain calm and collected, focused on making the most of a challenging situation. Itโs a day-to-day process, always keeping track of changing forecasts and updates. As the storm threatens the Florida coast, it serves as a reminder of natureโs unpredictability and how quickly plans can change.
As the situation unfolds, letโs hope for the safety of everyone affected by Hurricane Milton and for families like the Matthews to return home without further delays. Hereโs wishing them a speedy and safe journey back to Memphis once the skies clear!

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 areaโwith 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.


