Florida Prepares for Hurricane Milton Landfall

Florida is bracing for Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area by Wednesday, potentially causing significant damage and prompting one of the state's largest evacuations in seven years. Over 51 counties are under a state of emergency as Governor Ron DeSantis warns of 'major, major impacts' including storm surges up to 20 feet and extensive flooding from heavy rains. The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Milton will strengthen and could bring life-threatening conditions to the central Gulf Coast, with urban areas in South Florida facing moderate risks of excessive rainfall. Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, which resulted in at least 230 deaths, officials are preparing fuel resources and charging stations for electric vehicles to aid evacuations. DeSantis emphasizes the urgency of preparedness, urging residents in vulnerable areas to assume they will need to evacuate. Amid the chaos, FEMA is also countering misinformation regarding federal relief efforts for previous hurricane victims.