Live news updates on Hurricane Milton: Storm will devastate Florida

Nearly two million residents of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater received a “life-threatening” flash flood warning as Hurricane Milton hit Florida.

The National Weather Service in Tampa warned that “flash flooding of creeks and creeks, urban areas, highways, streets and subways” was expected.

“Between 6 and 12 inches of rain fell. Flash flooding is ongoing or is expected to begin shortly,” the service noted.

Milton hit as a Category 3 storm Wednesday evening and the historic storm will devastate the Gulf Coast and other parts of Florida.

The effects of the once-in-a-century storm have already hit the Sunshine State, causing tornado outbreaks, torrential rain and thunderstorms. The National Hurricane Center warns that “Milton has the potential to become one of the most destructive hurricanes ever recorded for West Central Florida.”

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor warns any residents who don’t comply with mandatory evacuation orders: “This is the coffin you’ll lie in if you don’t leave your homes.”

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What you should know about Hurricane Milton