Hurricane Milton Strengthens, Florida Braces for Impact

Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching up to 155 mph and is expected to make landfall in the heavily populated Tampa Bay area on Wednesday evening. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties and urged residents to evacuate, especially in areas prone to storm surge, which could reach as high as 12 feet. The storm follows closely after Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage and over 230 fatalities across the Southeast, raising concerns about compounded impacts. Emergency management officials are warning of potential flooding from heavy rainfall and flash floods, as well as widespread power outages. Milton's track indicates it will move through central Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean, with forecasters emphasizing the need for preparedness due to its life-threatening hazards. President Biden is expected to receive updates on the situation as it unfolds.