Millions Urged to Evacuate as Hurricane Milton Nears Florida with ‘Life or Death’ Threat

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida’s west coast, millions of residents have been ordered to evacuate. The Category 5 storm is expected to bring devastating winds of up to 165 mph (270 km/h), making it one of the most dangerous hurricanes to strike the region in a century.

President Joe Biden issued a stern warning, urging residents to leave immediately, emphasizing that staying behind could be a matter of “life and death.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis echoed the sentiment, calling Milton a “monster” storm as the state undergoes its largest evacuation in recent years.

Milton’s imminent landfall comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the U.S. Gulf Coast, leaving at least 225 dead in its wake. Floridians are bracing for heavy rains, flash floods, and storm surges predicted to reach 10-15 feet, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, where millions reside.

Meteorologists have also warned of the potential for several tornadoes across central and southern Florida, compounding the dangers already posed by the storm. Inmates from nearly 30 correctional facilities have been evacuated, and shelters have been opened for those unable to flee in time.

Despite the urgency, some Floridians have decided to stay, feeling it’s too late to escape or believing their homes can withstand the storm. However, most residents, like Gerald Lemus from Bradenton, have chosen to flee, realizing the risks involved. As millions prepare for what could be a historic disaster, Florida faces the challenge of another life-altering hurricane in a perilous hurricane season.