Hurricane Milton Spurs Mass Florida Evacuations

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is set to make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast, raising significant concerns due to its rapid intensification and expected impact on the densely populated Tampa Bay area. The storm has triggered mass evacuations with over one million people ordered to leave, resulting in severe traffic congestion and fuel shortages, with approximately 17% of gas stations reportedly out of fuel, particularly in Tampa and Orlando. Despite Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's assurances of fuel supply, officials, including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and President Joe Biden, have issued urgent warnings about the potential for catastrophic damage and the necessity of following evacuation orders. The National Hurricane Center expects storm surges of up to 15 feet, heightening the risk of widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. This event follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which recently devastated parts of the state, compounding the challenges faced by residents and emergency services.