Florida’s west coast is bracing for a significant evacuation as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 1 storm, with predictions of reaching Category 3 or 4 before making landfall.

The National Hurricane Center’s latest forecast shows Milton’s path passing through Sarasota and south of Orlando, with further adjustments expected.

Already affected by flooding from Hurricane Helene, communities are at risk of more severe impacts from Milton, currently packing 85 mph winds.

Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents to take the storm seriously, as mandatory evacuations have been ordered in several counties, the Miami Herald has reported.

A state of emergency has been declared in 51 counties, with preparations underway to mitigate damage and ensure public safety ahead of the storm, expected to make landfall Wednesday evening to early Thursday.

Written by B.C. Begley