(Canadian Press)

By Terry Spencer And Kate Payne, Associated Press

Dire warnings to flee as Hurricane Milton begins to lash Florida: ‘This is your last chance’

Oct 9, 2024 | 3:45 PM

Hurricane Milton is hurling tornadoes and rain at the U.S. coast on its steady, potentially catastrophic march toward Florida’s west coast.

Florida officials on Wednesday issued a final plea to residents to evacuate or face grim odds of survival.

The National Hurricane Center stressed that it was not certain where Milton’s center would come ashore Wednesday night because the storm’s path might “wobble,” but the entire Tampa Bay region and points south were at grave risk.

Tropical storm-force winds were just off the coast around midday. Milton has fluctuated in intensity as it approaches Florida. It was a Category 3 hurricane at midday Wednesday.