In a stark warning, President Biden has alerted Florida residents that Hurricane Milton, now bearing down on the state, could be the worst storm to hit Florida in a century. This announcement comes as the state faces its second major storm in less than two weeks, with over a million residents ordered to evacuate their homes. Tampa’s mayor has issued a chilling warning: “If you stay, you will die.”

Hurricane Milton boasts powerful winds reaching 155 mph, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges. The National Hurricane Center has classified it as an extremely serious threat, leading to emergency declarations in over 50 counties. In response, President Biden has approved disaster funding, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “You should evacuate now, now, now,” he urged. “This is a matter of life and death, and that’s not hyperbole.”

The threat posed by Milton is compounded by the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helen, which struck just ten days ago, resulting in at least 225 fatalities and leaving hundreds more missing. Local authorities are using stark language to convey the gravity of the situation, declaring it “literally catastrophic.”

Emergency preparations are underway, with shelters established and a converted sports stadium ready to accommodate thousands of evacuees and rescue workers. These scenes of chaos and urgency have become all too familiar this hurricane season, with Milton marking the tenth major storm of the Atlantic season.

Climate change is exacerbating the severity of these storms, with the warmer waters of the Atlantic acting as a catalyst for their intensification. The average ocean temperatures this year are significantly higher than normal, contributing to the strength and frequency of hurricanes.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Floridians are reminded of the potential dangers that lie ahead, prompting a rush to safety in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Will Grant, BBC News, Washington.