Hurricane Milton, one of the most destructive storms on record, barrels towards Florida; updates here

Hurricane Milton, one of the most destructive storms on record, re-intensifies into a Category 5 storm as it moves across the southern Gulf of Mexico towards Florida. Millions of people have been directed to immediately evacuate vulnerable areas.

Hurricane Milton presents an ‘extremely life-threatening situation’ for Florida. It has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida. It would be the most powerful hurricane to hit Florida’s Tampa Bay in over 100 years.

The International Space Station (ISS) captured a birds-eye view of the hurricane, capturing the powerful storm with its external cameras. It is anticipated to make landfall either late Wednesday night or early Thursday. It comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene caused substantial damage across the US.

Forecasters have warned of torrential rain, flash flooding, high winds and possible storm surges.

US President cancelled a trip to Angola and Germany and directed local officials to be well prepared. He advised residents get their families and homes ready and leave immediately as a ‘matter of life and death’.

“If you’re gonna get out, get out now. Let’s prepare for the worst and let’s pray that we get a weakening and hope for the least amount of damage as possible, but we must be prepared for the major, major impact to the west coast of Florida,” warned Florida governor Ron DeSantis.