
The city of Tampa in the American state of Florida lies deserted. Many of the city's inhabitants have left the city ahead of Hurricane Milton. Photo: Spencer Platt/Ritzau Scanpix
Hurricane Milton nears Florida, evacuations ordered
Category five Hurricane Milton is approaching the west coast of Florida, prompting evacuations and causing traffic jams and a fuel shortage. Expected to hit late Wednesday or early Thursday, it follows the recent hit by Hurricane Helene, which left a devastating impact less than two weeks ago. Tampa’s over three million residents are at risk, with Mayor Jane Castor warning against ignoring evacuation orders. Milton has wind speeds of 270 km/h and is moving toward areas still recovering from Helene, which killed at least 230 people, making it the most deadly hurricane since Katrina. President Joe Biden canceled international trips to focus on Milton’s threat and Helene’s relief efforts.