Hurricane Milton Downgraded, Florida Braces for Impact

Hurricane Milton, now a Category 4 storm with winds of 145 mph, is expected to make landfall south of Sarasota, Florida, bringing up to 15 feet of storm surge and prompting mandatory evacuations along the Gulf Coast. The storm led to the closure of major airports and theme parks in the region, with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warning that the storm surge is the biggest threat. There have been reports of misinformation about federal aid distribution, with false claims by some Republicans that aid was given to undocumented immigrants over citizens. NOAA's hurricane hunters have provided critical data by flying through the storm, despite the dangers posed by 160-mph winds. Additionally, Social Security payments may be delayed for those receiving physical checks in affected areas, although most beneficiaries use direct deposit.