Hurricane Milton has intensified back to a powerful Category 5 storm and is advancing toward Florida’s Central Gulf Coast. Though forecasted to weaken before landfall, Milton’s massive size will amplify its destructive reach, potentially impacting millions across the state.

Storm Overview
Milton first became a Category 5 hurricane on Monday and, after briefly weakening, regained its strength on Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm currently boasts sustained winds of 165 mph, located about 480 miles southwest of Tampa, and is moving toward the coast at 9 mph.

Forecasters predict Milton will weaken to a Category 3 hurricane by the time it makes landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday, but its expansion in size will spread its impacts over a much larger area than initially anticipated.

Evacuations and Urgent Warnings
Florida officials are urging residents to act quickly. Governor Ron DeSantis stressed that the window for safe evacuation is closing rapidly. “This is not just an event for the West Coast of Florida,” DeSantis warned, as Milton’s size could impact areas far beyond its landfall point. Highways are clogged with traffic, and fuel is running low at some gas stations as residents scramble to flee the storm’s path.

Military personnel at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa have already evacuated, and 4,600 prisoners have been relocated from the storm’s potential path. In the city of St. Petersburg, officials have begun taking tower cranes offline, concerned that gusts exceeding 100 mph could cause malfunctions.

Businesses and Travel Disruptions
Several major attractions, including Disney Theme Parks, Busch Gardens, and SeaWorld, have announced closures ahead of the storm. American Airlines and United Airlines have capped fares and added extra flights to help evacuate residents. Despite efforts to accommodate those fleeing, roughly 17% of Florida’s gas stations are now out of fuel.

Storm’s Path and Impact Areas
Milton’s massive size will affect a wide swath of Florida. Tropical storm-force winds are expected to extend 230 miles from the storm’s center, meaning the entire width of the peninsula could experience fierce conditions. Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Orlando are expected to face some of the worst impacts, including winds up to 165 mph, storm surges, and rainfall amounts ranging from 2 to 12 inches.

The outer bands of Milton, expected to hit the Florida Peninsula and Keys as early as this evening, could bring tornadoes and waterspouts, adding to the dangerous conditions.

Preparing for Disaster
Authorities are pleading with Floridians to heed evacuation orders, warning that staying behind could be deadly. Fuel tankers, escorted by Florida Highway Patrol troopers, are trying to resupply gas stations along key evacuation routes, but time is running out as the storm approaches.

Stay tuned for further updates, and if you’re in an evacuation zone, act now — the storm’s approach is imminent, and its impacts could be catastrophic.

Stay safe, and follow local evacuation instructions as Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida.