SUMMARY: Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 160 mph, is threatening Florida just days after Hurricane Helen caused significant damage. Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered all counties to expedite debris removal to prevent hazards and manage the intense storm’s impact. Mandatory evacuations are underway in affected areas, particularly in St. Petersburg, where residents are salvaging belongings amid ongoing recovery efforts. As Milton approaches, forecasters predict it will weaken to a Category 3 storm due to cooler sea temperatures near Tampa Bay. Major concerns include flying debris and storm surge, potentially reaching 12 feet in coastal regions.

Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 5 storm as it barrels toward the U.S. threatening much of Florida’s west coast with monumental surges and potential flooding. CBS News’ Cristian Benavides reports on Hurricane Helene debris that could become dangerous as Milton passes, and CBS News Bay Area meteorologist Jessica Burch has the latest forecast.

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SUMMARY: Florida residents, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, are strongly urged to evacuate as Category 5 Hurricane Milton approaches, marked by maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. The storm rapidly intensified, becoming the second-fastest in history from Category 1 to 5. Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie emphasized the life-threatening storm surge forecast of 8 to 12 feet, urging compliance with evacuation orders to prevent drowning. Governor Ron DeSantis is actively addressing debris removal from Hurricane Helene to mitigate hazards, mobilizing National Guardsmen, suspending tolls, and ensuring local compliance with recovery efforts ahead of Milton’s impact.

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SUMMARY: As Hurricane Helain approaches, nerves are high. Current forecasts show maximum winds increasing to 150 mph, nearing Category 5. Storm surge concerns rise, particularly for the Northern Yucatan coast. Surge predictions may escalate to 4-8 ft. While the storm will weaken due to upper-level shear, areas near landfall—especially south—could face substantial impacts. Evacuation advice emphasizes staying out of flood zones, with dangerous conditions expected post-4 PM on Wednesday. Rain starts Tuesday, with strong winds arriving later. The storm is projected to weaken significantly by Thursday, but power outages and damage remain potential concerns depending on the exact landfall location.

Hurricane Milton continues to intensify rapidly as it slowly moves toward the Florida peninsula. It is now a Category 4 hurricane, and the risk of life-threatening impacts for the Florida Gulf Coast later this week is increasing.

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