Florida’s Gulf Coast is bracing for Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

Workers are racing to clear debris left by Hurricane Helene, which hit two weeks ago, before Milton arrives.

Evacuations are underway as forecasters warn of a potential 8- to 12-foot storm surge and heavy rainfall.

Tampa, with a population of over 3.3 million, hasn’t faced a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century.

Milton’s winds reached 175 mph, but it’s expected to weaken slightly before landfall, as reported by The Associated Press.

Gov. Ron DeSantis stressed the urgency of clearing debris to prevent projectiles.

Written by Emily Begley