Hurricane Milton now a Category 5 hurricane

(10/7) Hurricane warnings issued for Florida as ‘life-threatening’ Category 5 Milton rapidly intensified over the record-warm Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Milton is expected to grow in size, potentially spreading its dangerous impacts over a much larger area. Milton is forecast to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Its dangerous eye and eyewall could come ashore anywhere from Cedar Key at the north to Naples at the south – including possibly in the Tampa or Ft. Myers areas. It’s only been 10 days since Helene scoured Florida’s Gulf Coast with storm surge and slammed into the Big Bend as a Category 4. Now, officials are asking residents – still in recovery mode – to evacuate.

IMMEDIATE EVACUATION IS REQUIRED if you are in the storm's path. YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER. Strong storm surge and ongoing severe storm damage could make rescues improbable and place you at risk for serious bodily harm, up to and including death. Downed power lines can electrocute you, killing you nearly instantly. Rising waters can contain sewage and other biohazardous materials that may leave you diseased, potentially worse. Do not delay; leave now to ensure your safety. Follow all evacuation orders and head to a safe location immediately.