### Florida Braces for Devastating Impact as Hurricane Milton Approaches

Millions of residents along Florida's Gulf Coast have been urged to evacuate, with Hurricane Milton predicted to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for the state's west-central regions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Milton will make landfall as a major hurricane near or just south of the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday night, and continue its path off the east coast by Thursday afternoon.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has emphasized the severity of the situation, warning, "If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you're going to die." The anticipated storm surge is particularly worrying; the NHC projects levels of nine to 13 feet from Anna Maria Island to Boca Grande, eight to 12 feet from Boca Grande to Bonita Beach, and six to nine feet in Tampa Bay. It is this abnormal rise in seawater levels, combined with the tide, that will flood typically dry coastal areas.

The threat extends beyond the coast. Tornado warnings have been issued across southern Florida and the Interstate 95 corridor, and tornado watches are in effect through Wednesday night for most of central and southern Florida. The NHC has highlighted a "risk of strong tornadoes" for Wednesday evening.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation on Tuesday, declaring Hurricane Milton "a matter of life and death" and advising residents in the storm's path to evacuate immediately. Biden postponed a planned international trip to Germany and Angola to focus on hurricane response efforts. However, political tensions have surfaced as Vice President Kamala Harris accused Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of not taking her calls, an accusation he has denied. DeSantis maintains that he has been communicating effectively with Biden and that Harris has no role in the matter.

In preparation for the hurricane, Tampa International Airport closed on Tuesday morning, followed by Orlando International Airport on Wednesday morning. The closures have led to significant travel disruptions, with over 1,700 flights canceled and hundreds more delayed. Major attractions like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Resort Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa have also closed.

Even the famed Waffle House chain has decided to shutter its Tampa-area locations, a move that signifies the severity of the impending storm, according to the "Waffle House Index." When Waffle Houses close, it underscores the anticipated need for extensive community assistance.

Hurricane Milton arrives just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, which caused at least 20 deaths in Florida and extensive damage across the southeastern United States. The cleanup from Helene's destruction is still underway as residents now face the imminent danger of Milton. Hillsborough County, Lee County, and other areas have mandated evacuations, particularly in zones vulnerable to high storm surges and flooding.

As efforts to prepare unfold, FEMA Chief Deanne Criswell is combating misinformation related to Hurricane Helene's aftermath. The agency has been falsely accused of diverting funds and withholding aid based on political affiliations. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas assured that FEMA is utilizing its resources to meet immediate needs.

With Hurricane Milton on the horizon, Florida's Gulf Coast residents are frantically making final preparations and heeding evacuation orders, hopefully averting another catastrophic toll in the region.