Millions flee as Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida
Millions of Florida residents are scrambling to evacuate their homes as Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 5 storm, barrels toward the state’s west coast. The hurricane is forecast to make landfall near the Tampa area later tonight, bringing with it devastating winds that could reach speeds of up to 165 mph (270 km/h). Authorities have urged people in the storm’s path to leave immediately, as the situation grows increasingly dire.
US President Joe Biden has emphasised the seriousness of the threat, warning residents that evacuation is a matter of “life and death.” Florida is now witnessing its largest evacuation effort in years, with highways crowded and emergency shelters filling up. Milton’s approach has created a sense of urgency and fear, especially since it comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which struck the Gulf Coast less than two weeks ago. Helene, a Category 4 storm, left a deadly path, claiming the lives of at least 225 people across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina.
As the state braces for yet another powerful storm, the focus remains on getting people to safety and mitigating the impact of what could be one of the most destructive hurricanes in recent history.
Watch: LIVE! Hurricane Milton Live Tracker