Hurricane Milton Bears Down on Florida's Gulf Coast

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, threatens Florida's Gulf Coast, prompting massive evacuations amid fuel shortages. This intense storm could impact areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Tampa Mayor warns residents to heed evacuation orders as the storm approaches, posing severe storm surge and flooding threats.

As Hurricane Milton closes in on Florida's Gulf Coast, a state of heightened urgency grips the region. The Category 5 storm is one of the most severe Atlantic hurricanes in history, heading toward areas beleaguered by Hurricane Helene just weeks ago.

Officials have ordered over a million people to evacuate, with significant traffic congestion and fuel shortages complicating the process. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor underscores the dire situation, warning residents of the deadly risks of ignoring evacuation orders.

In anticipation of the storm's landfall, emergency services are on high alert, with National Guard members deployed and preparations ramping up to mitigate anticipated storm surges and floods. The region is bracing for catastrophic impacts, echoing across coastal communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)