Hurricane Milton: Florida Girds for Catastrophic Impact

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, approaches Florida's Gulf Coast with threats of heavy winds, flooding, and storm surges. Officials have ordered evacuations for over a million residents. This follows the recent devastation from Hurricane Helene, leaving Florida's west coast particularly vulnerable to additional damage.

Hurricane Milton surged toward Florida's Gulf Coast as an immense Category 5 storm, causing traffic gridlock and fuel shortages as officials mandated evacuations for over 1 million residents. Forecasts suggest Milton will make landfall late Wednesday, placing Florida's west coast, still reeling from Hurricane Helene, in grave danger.

The Tampa Bay area braces for a potential direct hit, its first since 1921. Mayor Jane Castor urges evacuation, underscoring the lethal risks. Residents, like Estephani Veliz Hernandez, are prioritizing safety over possessions as they head inland.

The National Hurricane Center warns of expanding wind fields and severe storm surges, with economic concerns rising as businesses halt operations. National Guard troops are deployed, and government leaders stress the necessity of evacuation orders.

(With inputs from agencies.)