Hurricane Milton live updates: Thousands evacuate as Florida braces for monster Category 5 storm

✕

Close

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.

Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.

Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

Milton restrengthened into a Category 5 hurricane late Tuesday afternoon as it moved toward western Florida.

As of Tuesday evening, the massive storm was sustaining winds near 165 mph with higher gusts. The National Hurricane Center anticipates Milton to be “a dangerous major hurricane” when it’s expected to make landfall on Wednesday night on the west coast of Florida.

Governor Ron DeSantis warned Floridians that “time is running out” for them to evacuate.

“You may have a window where it may be safe, but you may not,” he said. “So, use today as your day to finalize and execute the plan that is going to protect you and your family.”

His warning comes after Tampa Mayor Jane Castor told CNN on Monday that residents will die if they don’t evacuate as Milton races towards the state’s west coast.

Hurricane Helene, which recently devastated parts of the state, was a “wake-up call,” she said. Milton could be “literally catastrophic,” Castor added.

Milton will bring “life-threatening storm surge and winds” to parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center predicted on Tuesday.

President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration on Monday after pledging “life-saving resources in advance of the storm,” the day prior.