The violent storm is forecast to make landfall in the US on Wednesday. It comes less than a fortnight after Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage and killed more than 200 people in the region.
Florida is preparing for its largest evacuation in seven years as the US state braces for the arrival of Hurricane Milton.
The weather system, which strengthened from a tropical storm to a hurricane on Sunday, is forecast to make landfall in the US on Wednesday.
The hurricane, which is currently sweeping east across the Gulf of Mexico, is predicted to hit the Tampa Bay area before travelling over Orlando.
It comes after more than 200 people were killed when Hurricane Helene tore across southeastern US, including parts of Florida, late last month.
Forecasters say some affected areas will likely be hit again, worsening the damage caused less than a fortnight ago.
Kevin Guthrie, director of Florida’s emergency management division, warned that residents should prepare for the « largest evacuation that we have seen most likely since 2017 Hurricane Irma ».
