The state of Florida is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm with winds of 155 mph, targeting the densely populated west coast. Millions of residents have been urged to evacuate as the storm is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday. The storm is forecasted to cross the Florida Peninsula and head into the Atlantic Ocean, potentially causing storm surges of up to 15 feet above ground level in Tampa. The National Guard has deployed search and rescue teams, with rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches expected in central to northern Florida. The economic impact of the storm is significant, with 2.8% of the US gross domestic product in its path. FEMA is prepared to support Florida with resources, as the state braces for the impact of another major hurricane less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the Big Bend coast. Price gouging complaints have been reported in Florida, with over 200 complaints received by the Attorney General, mostly regarding fuel and water. As the state prepares for the destructive potential of Hurricane Milton, concerns are raised about the storm’s massive size and potential storm surge rather than its Category 4 ranking.
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