Sarasota and Manatee counties are now under a hurricane Warning and storm surge warning due to Hurricane Milton.

Forecasters warn the immense and powerful storm could generate “life-threatening” storm surge of up to 15 feet in a region that's particularly flood-prone.

Milton restrengthened into a Category 5 hurricane late on Tuesday afternoon as it moved closer to western Florida.

Fearful Florida residents are streaming out of the Tampa Bay region ahead of what could be a once-in-a-century direct hit from Hurricane Milton.