Hotels in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties are likely to see a bookings spike as Gulf Coast area residents and visitors weighed evacuation plans from the Gulf Coast to avoid Hurricane

Hurricane Milton isn’t expected to directly affect the tri-state area, but with so much of Florida’s heavily populated cities, including Tampa and Orlando, in its path, many residents locally have expressed concern for families and friends in the south.

In September, Hurricane Helene shut down Tampa’s airport and delayed dozens of flights in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The airport in Tampa also is closing Tuesday morning for Milton. Milton could have a similar effect across the state this week.