Hurricane Milton is barreling toward Florida as mass evacuations are underway

The National Hurricane Center warned in an advisory Wednesday morning that “a large area of ​​destructive storm surge with maximum flooding of 10 feet or more is expected along a portion of the central west coast of the Florida Peninsula” when Hurricane Milton makes landfall later this evening .

“If you are in the storm surge warning area, this is an extremely life-threatening situation and you should evacuate as quickly as possible as directed by local authorities,” it added.

The Category 5 hurricane was centered about 300 miles southwest of Tampa at 5 a.m. ET, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.

“Rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches and locally up to 18 inches are expected in the central to northern portions of the Florida Peninsula through Thursday,” the NHC also said. “These rainfall events pose risks of catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding, as well as moderate to severe river flooding.”

“Preparations to protect lives and property, including preparation for extended power outages, should be completed expeditiously,” the NHC added.