Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall in Florida within the next 24 hours, threatening millions of residents with an “extremely life-threatening situation.”

Time is running out for those in Florida as many are still finalizing their preparations or evacuating high-risk areas. The powerful Category 5 hurricane is rapidly making its way toward the Florida Peninsula, bringing with it severe winds and heavy rainfall.

“Milton could become one of the most damaging hurricanes recorded in west-central Florida,” stated John Cangialosi, a specialist from the National Hurricane Center, in a Tuesday update.

Reports indicate that nearly all of Florida’s 67 counties, except for 16, are currently under a state of emergency, according to the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union, part of the YSL News network.

Many communities in the Southeast, including Florida, are still reeling from the severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene only weeks ago. Florida residents have been advised that heeding mandatory evacuation orders at this point could be a matter of life or death.

“I can honestly say, without any exaggeration: If you decide to stay in one of those evacuation zones, you are risking your life,” remarked Tampa Mayor Jane Castor during a CNN interview.

 Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida

Countless Florida residents and local businesses are bracing for Hurricane Milton’s approach on Wednesday night, with many shutting their doors, stockpiling supplies, leaving the area, or finding safe shelter.

If Hurricane Milton behaves similarly to Hurricane Helene, significant flooding, fallen trees, and power outages are highly likely.