As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s west coast, residents scramble to evacuate before it’s too late.
Mandatory evacuation orders cover 11 counties, affecting nearly 6 million people, but some locals choose to stay. Officials warn emergency services may not be available during the storm’s peak, leaving those who remain to fend for themselves.
The Tampa Bay area, which hasn’t seen a major hurricane landfall in over a century, faces potential storm surges up to 15 feet. Mayor Jane Castor warned of life-threatening danger, comparing staying to “being in a coffin.”
Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene two weeks ago, authorities race to clear debris that could become hazardous in high winds. Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall late Wednesday.
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