Florida, United States

Hurricane Milton is expected to double in size by the time it makes landfall in the US late on Wednesday or early Thursday, with up to 15 feet of storm surge along a low-lying stretch of the Florida coast that includes the cities of Tampa, St Petersburg, and Sarasota.

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The "storm of the century" Milton turned northeast overnight about 300 miles (480 km) southwest of Tampa, targeting heavily populated and highly vulnerable communities. 

Tampa mayor Jane Castor warned the people who are not leaving their homes, “That home that you’re in ultimately will be a coffin.”

Castor issued the warning on ABC’s Good Morning America, saying that if they remain in an evacuation area, “you’re going to die”.

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Schools turned into supplemental state shelters

Most school districts in the state have been shut down. Meanwhile, several schools are being used as supplemental state shelters.

Also read: Hurricane Milton to hit Florida: Timing, areas at risk, wind speeds, and what to expect

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Florida governor Ron DeSantis and other emergency officials are urging those in vulnerable areas to seek shelter as there is still so much capacity, adding “It’s not the Four Seasons,” but the message is clear: the alternative is worse.

Over 300 healthcare facilities evacuated 

At least 352 healthcare facilities in the path of the storm have been evacuated. Notably, out of these facilities, 16 are hospitals. 

More than 50,000 linemen to work on power restoration

As soon as the storm passes, over 50,000 linemen will be working on power restoration, and many will be from California, authorities have said.

Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis said that the state is now "bracing and preparing for a major hit" but remains confident "we'll get through it".

Watch | Several Hurricanes Hit Category 5 Intensity

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He added that 51 counties remain under a state of emergency but authorities are "prepared and we will respond".

'Deadly and catastrophic'

Deanne Criswell, head of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said that the hurricane will bring a "deadly and catastrophic" storm, adding that she will be travelling back to Florida today and will remain there to assess the impact and federal resources moving into the area.

'Gas stations ran out of fuel'

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that certain gas stations in the state have depleted their fuel reserves. However, he further reassured that measures are being taken to address the situation.

"And they are continuing with the fuel escorts as we speak," he said, adding that the state's highway patrol vehicles, with their sirens activated, are currently accompanying gasoline tanker trucks.

(With inputs from agencies)