Hurricane Milton Set to Strike Florida Gulf Coast

Hurricane Milton is on track to make landfall in Florida's Tampa Bay area, with projections estimating damages between $50 billion and $150 billion, potentially impacting an already overwhelmed insurance market following Hurricane Helene. Milton, which intensified to a Category 5 storm, is expected to hit as a Category 3, bringing significant storm surges and flash flooding to the densely populated region. The combined damage from both hurricanes could exceed $200 billion, with Hurricane Helene alone causing between $30.5 billion and $47.5 billion in damages. Evacuations have been ordered for over one million residents, as low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable after recent storms. Analysts warn that the insurance landscape is tightening, which could lead to increased premiums or reduced coverage options for homeowners. Additionally, major attractions like Disney World may face economic losses estimated between $150 million and $200 million due to the storm's impact.