Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, just weeks after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. The powerful Category 5 storm threatens catastrophic impact on the west coast, with Tampa and surrounding areas preparing for a severe storm surge. Evacuation orders are in place, expected to prompt the largest movement in seven years. Forecasters warn of water levels rising up to 15 feet, with record-breaking surges in Tampa Bay anticipated.

Stores are closed, highways are clogged, and residents in evacuation zones A and B are urged to leave immediately. Mayor Jane Castor warned that staying behind could be deadly. Milton, moving northeast with winds of 160 mph, is about 160 miles west of the Dry Tortugas and is expected to hit the coast as a major hurricane. A Storm Surge Warning covers Florida’s west coast to Yankeetown, with Hurricane Warnings extending to Georgia.