Hurricane Milton, a formidable Category 4 hurricane, is advancing across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida's Gulf Coast, aiming to make landfall around 2 a.m. Millions in Tampa Bay are bracing for its impact, which includes violent winds, heavy rains, and deadly storm surges. The federal government is working rapidly to prepare communities for the storm's imminent arrival, likely causing significant damage and disruption.

Hurricane Milton looms ominously toward Florida's coastline with the National Hurricane Center warning of its menacing potential impact. This Category 4 storm was 585 miles southwest of Tampa early Tuesday, expected to impact western Florida by late Wednesday or Thursday. Early storm conditions might arise Wednesday, with dangerous storm surges and winds reaching 155 mph, prompting evacuations and travel disruptions across the state.