Despite Weakened Storm, Florida Faces Devastating Impacts

Hurricane Milton has been downgraded to a Category 3 storm, but risk-to-life warnings remain in place as it moves closer to Florida’s west coast. The National Weather Service has raised alarms about the storm’s massive size, forecasting devastating storm surges, flooding, and tornadoes, especially in central and southern Florida. Six million people across 11 counties are under mandatory evacuation orders. The storm intensified quickly, reaching Category 5 strength, and is expected to make landfall late on October 9 or early on October 10, with maximum sustained winds of up to 130 mph. The severity of Milton has prompted Florida officials, including Governor DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, to stress the urgency of evacuations, warning residents of life-threatening conditions if they remain in their homes.