Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida's West Coast. Officials Warn Nearly 5 Million Residents To Leave Or Face Deadly Storm Surges

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, approached Florida's west coast Wednesday, prompting mass evacuations. Officials ordered more than 5 million people to leave, warning that those who remain face grave danger. Milton’s landfall, expected late Wednesday, could bring catastrophic storm surges of up to fifteen feet in the Tampa Bay area. Tampa’s Mayor Jane Castor emphasized that staying could be fatal. Officials have warned that anyone staying behind must fend for themselves, as first responders are not expected to risk their lives attempting rescues at the height of the storm.