With Hurricane Milton barreling toward Florida's Gulf Coast, many Tampa Bay area residents are fearing widespread and potentially weeks-long power outages, which could affect cellphone service, as many saw during Hurricane Helene.

Apple's new mobile operating system could help iPhone users stay in touch if Hurricane Milton knocks out cell service.

All iPhone 14 and later models can connect via satellite, but your phone must be updated to the latest software, iOS 18. Recipients of the messages must also have the latest iOS. Android users with Pixel 9 phones also have some options.

If you're somewhere that you can't get cellular or Wi-Fi service, you can still contact emergency services using a Pixel 9 device, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. They do this using satellite connectivity, so you'll need to make sure that you're outside under clear skies if possible.

How to stay connected if you can’t get a regular signal.

With Hurricane Milton off the coast of Florida, here's how to make sure you can send messages via satellite if you have no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Owners of the iPhone 14 or later can use satellite messaging to stay in touch during Hurricane Milton. But make sure you've updated to iOS 18 first.

Apple's new mobile operating system could help iPhone users stay in touch if Hurricane Milton knocks out cell service.

If you're trapped or in danger you can still reach first responders or communicate with family if you have an Apple iPhone or Google Pixel Android device.