Brace for Impact: Hurricane Milton Looms Over Tampa

Florida residents are evacuating Tampa Bay as Hurricane Milton threatens a direct hit with lethal storm surges and winds up to 165 mph. Authorities brace for impact in a region that hasn't faced a major hurricane since 1921. Evacuations and preparations intensify as the storm approaches.

Residents in Florida are evacuating the Tampa Bay area as Hurricane Milton approaches, threatening a direct impact that could be catastrophic. The hurricane, now a Category 5 with winds reaching 165 mph, underscores the region's preparations against storm surges and potential tornadoes.

State officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, have mobilized resources, emphasizing the urgency for residents to evacuate. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for 11 counties, affecting nearly 5.9 million people. Concerns grow as history shows that Tampa Bay hasn't faced a direct hurricane hit in over a century.

The hurricane's threat amplifies existing challenges, with debris from previous storms posing a risk of becoming devastating projectiles. President Biden has declared an emergency as residents heed storm warnings, exemplified by increased traffic and supply lines. Unprecedented climate conditions may exacerbate this storm's severity.

(With inputs from agencies.)