Hurricane Milton, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, is barreling toward Florida’s central west coast, expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday. The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton could become one of the most destructive hurricanes to impact west-central Florida, with maximum sustained winds over 160 mph and potentially life-threatening storm surges. Mass evacuations have clogged highways, especially around Tampa Bay, which is still reeling from Hurricane Helene. Governor Ron DeSantis has issued emergency orders for 51 counties, urging residents to prepare for widespread power outages and dangerous conditions.
Meteorologists expect Milton to make landfall near Sarasota or Tampa, with storm surges possibly reaching 10 to 15 feet. The storm has rapidly intensified, transforming from a tropical storm into a Category 5 hurricane in just 24 hours. Despite the evacuations, some residents, such as those in Sanibel Island, have chosen to stay. Meanwhile, gas stations are running out of fuel, and airports and theme parks across Florida are closing in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
As Milton crosses the peninsula, it is expected to maintain hurricane strength, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding across Florida. Emergency officials have urged Floridians in high-risk zones to evacuate as the storm poses a significant threat to life and property.
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