The explosive intensification of Hurricane Milton continues after the potentially life-threatening system strengthened into a Category 4 storm with winds of 150 as Florida braces for a deadly storm surge, destructive winds and flooding rain this week. According to the NHC, maximum sustained winds within Milton could increase to 155 mph, which is only 2 mph shy of Category 5 strength.

And as the potentially deadly storm continues on its path toward Florida, millions of people across the region are preparing for life-threatening impacts such as a deadly storm surge, destructive winds and flooding rain. Hurricane Watches, Tropical Storm Watches and Storm Surge Watches have all been issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and those are expected to be upgraded as the storm moves closer to the Sunshine State. And while residents are preparing, thousands are also fleeing the coast as officials call for voluntary and mandatory evacuations ahead of the storm.

The Hurricane Watches were issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast from about the Cedar Key area southward to Naples, including Tampa and Fort Myers.

Tropical Storm Watches were also issued for the Florida Keys, as well as for Gulf Coast communities from Flamingo to south of Chokoloskee and from north of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass.

A Storm Surge Watch has also been issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and that is in effect from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay.

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