Waffle House has closed numerous locations in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton, using the renowned 'Waffle House Index' to gauge storm severity and impact. This index, a color-coded system conceptualized by former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, serves as an informal barometer for emergency management, with closed locations (Code Red) indicating severe conditions. The closures, spanning Tampa, Fort Myers, and other areas, signal the potential for significant storm damage as Milton approaches as a Category 5 storm. Typically, Waffle House remains open during severe weather, making closures a stark warning of the anticipated devastation. The chain's preemptive actions aim to protect employees while preparing for swift reopening to support local communities post-storm.