As Category 5 Hurricane Milton, packing winds up to 170 mph and torrential rain, approaches Florida, authorities have issued large-scale evacuation orders to prepare for potentially catastrophic damage. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on the 8th that Milton is expected to hit Florida’s central-western coast on the 9th, and it is predicted to be even more powerful than Hurricane Helene, which swept through the Southeast just two weeks ago, leaving over 230 dead.

Disaster authorities have warned Florida residents that “this could be the worst hurricane in 100 years” and cautioned that “failure to evacuate now could result in a life-threatening situation.” In response, a long line of vehicles was seen on Highway 275 near St. Petersburg as people began fleeing the area.