Storm Intensification and Trajectory
rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm, with winds reaching up to 180 mph before downgrading to a Category 4 with 120 mph winds as it approached .
The storm is expected to make landfall near , moving northeast at 17 mph, with a high risk of catastrophic storm surge and heavy rain across central Florida.
Preparations and Warnings
Florida officials, including and Tampa Mayor , issued urgent evacuation orders and cautions for residents in the storm's path, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the storm's potential impact.
Over a dozen counties along Florida's western coast have implemented mandatory evacuation orders, and the (FEMA) faces personnel shortages due to other disasters.