Hurricane Milton could be worst storm to hit Florida west coast in 100 years — as it strengthens to horrific Cat. 5
SUMMARY
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 160 mph, threatening over 15 million Floridians along the west coast. Authorities have issued the largest evacuation since 2017’s Hurricane Irma, with residents in Tampa and St. Petersburg in immediate danger of an 8-12 foot storm surge. Officials warn Milton could be the worst storm to hit the region in over a century, just a week after Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation. With over 170,000 still without power from Helene, Milton’s impact could be catastrophic. Residents in evacuation zones have been urged to leave, with officials advising those staying behind to mark their personal information on their arms for identification in case of fatalities. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis placed 51 counties under emergency orders, urging residents to prepare for severe flooding, destruction, and power outages.
