Hurricane Milton Intensifies, Threatens Florida Coast

Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing a significant threat to Florida's west coast with expected landfall as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday evening. Although Milton is projected to weaken before landfall, it is still anticipated to cause severe storm surges and flooding in areas like Tampa and Sarasota. The Carolinas and Georgia, however, are expected to avoid major impacts due to the protective influence of a high-pressure system and a cold front, with only minimal effects like coastal flooding in South Carolina. The storm is forecast to move quickly across Florida, limiting the potential for catastrophic rainfall seen in previous storms. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in central Florida, and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency advises evacuees to seek refuge further inland. Overall, while the storm poses a significant threat to parts of Florida, the surrounding regions are expected to experience limited impacts.