As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, residents are preparing for what experts warn could be the most destructive storm in over a century. With massive storm surges and devastating winds predicted, evacuation orders are in place, urging people to leave before the storm strikes.

Hurricane Milton has escalated to a Category 5 storm, with winds exceeding 157 mph, making it one of the most dangerous on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Experts predict extreme damage, with the National Hurricane Center warning that framed homes could be destroyed, trees uprooted, and power lines downed. Some areas may be uninhabitable for weeks, if not months. In particular, the storm surge is projected to be catastrophic, with water levels rising as high as 12 feet, potentially marking the worst surge in the Tampa Bay area in nearly 100 years.

This storm is coming on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which left significant debris in its wake, further increasing the risk of widespread destruction. Many parts of the region are still recovering from Helene, making Milton’s arrival all the more threatening. Although Milton is expected to weaken to a Category 3 before making landfall, the winds could still reach up to 129 mph, causing extensive damage to even the sturdiest homes.

Local authorities are not taking any chances. Evacuation orders are being enforced in several coastal areas, and officials are urging residents to take the situation seriously. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor delivered a blunt message, warning, “If you stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die.” Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri echoed this sense of urgency, describing the evacuation as the largest in the region since Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Governor Ron DeSantis has also highlighted the dangers, noting that debris left from Hurricane Helene could magnify the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. “There are some areas with a lot of debris… if hit by a major hurricane, it’s going to dramatically increase damage,” DeSantis stated.

As the storm nears, evacuation efforts have intensified. Thousands of residents are moving inland, creating heavy traffic on highways such as Interstate 75, the main evacuation route. Northbound lanes are packed with vehicles heading toward safer areas, while southbound lanes remain nearly empty. Many residents are seeking refuge in cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami, which are expected to be less affected by the storm.

For those remaining in evacuation zones, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has provided a “Know Your Zone” tool, allowing residents to easily identify their designated evacuation zones and the nearest safe routes. This tool has proven crucial as evacuation orders expand, particularly in coastal regions most vulnerable to the impending storm surge.

Officials are emphasizing that residents who choose to stay behind may find themselves cut off from emergency services, as first responders will be unable to assist once the storm’s intensity increases. Time is running out for those in Milton’s path, and the importance of acting swiftly cannot be overstated.

With Hurricane Milton rapidly approaching, the region braces for what could be an unprecedented natural disaster. The storm’s power and the aftermath of previous hurricanes make this an exceptionally dangerous situation for Florida’s Gulf Coast.