As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida, officials are issuing dire warnings about the storm’s potential devastation.

Currently classified as a Category 3 hurricane, Milton is expected to make landfall over southern Sarasota at midnight with wind speeds reaching up to 145 mph (233 km/h). Authorities are emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, stating that the hurricane could be “deadly and catastrophic.”

In anticipation of the storm, millions of residents have begun evacuating the state, marking one of Florida’s largest evacuation efforts in years. Governor officials have underscored that leaving is a matter of “life and death,” urging citizens to take the warnings seriously as the hurricane approaches.

This impending crisis follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which struck the Gulf Coast less than two weeks ago as a Category 4 storm.

Helene resulted in at least 225 fatalities across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. The cumulative impact of these storms is raising concerns about preparedness and response measures.

In related news, President Joe Biden has criticized former President Donald Trump and others for promoting what he termed “outright lies” about the federal government’s disaster response.

Biden’s comments reflect growing tensions over the management of emergency situations as the nation braces for another significant natural disaster.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow evacuation orders. The situation remains fluid, and updates will continue to be provided as the storm unfolds.