Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm, is barreling toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, potentially becoming the most destructive storm to hit the area in 100 years. With winds exceeding 157 mph and storm surges projected up to 12 feet, experts are warning of catastrophic damage. Evacuation orders are in place for coastal regions, with residents urged to leave immediately.

Officials have compared Milton to past hurricanes like Irma and Betsy, but the debris left behind by Hurricane Helene makes the situation more dangerous. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor bluntly warned that staying in evacuation zones could be deadly, while Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the risk posed by lingering debris.

As evacuation efforts ramp up, traffic on highways is heavy, with many fleeing to safer areas inland. The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s “Know Your Zone” tool is helping residents navigate evacuation routes as the storm approaches.