Hurricane Milton intensifies and threatens to devastate the coast of Florida.

U.S. federal authorities have issued a serious warning about Hurricane Milton, which they have labeled as "the storm of the century," suggesting that its destructive potential could be one of the most significant in recent history. This weather phenomenon, which has been categorized as one of the three most powerful since records began, is rapidly approaching the coast of Florida, leaving residents in the region in an escalating state of alarm.

The imminent arrival of Milton has generated a troubling comparison to Hurricane Helene, which devastated the East Coast of the United States just a week ago. Helene resulted in a tragic toll of at least 230 lives lost and caused widespread destruction. Although Milton may not extend as far as its predecessor, its intensity is a major concern. Experts warn that the associated storm surge could be catastrophic, raising water levels by up to four meters in coastal cities like Tampa.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has updated its projections, indicating that Milton has regained strength after a brief decline. The hurricane is expected to make landfall as a monstrous Category 3, although in recent hours it has been reclassified again as a Category 5, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale. This fluctuation in intensity recalls the history of Katrina, which, although it made landfall as a Category 3, began its devastating path as a Category 5 hurricane.

With these threats in mind, evacuation orders have already been implemented in several parts of Florida, affecting approximately three million people. Local and state authorities are urging residents to take these warnings very seriously. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has painted a terrifying picture of the situation, suggesting that staying home could mean being trapped in "a coffin that will be your house" if Milton strikes with full force.

In response to the impending storm, the federal government has activated emergency resources. Emilie Simons, a spokesperson for the White House, disclosed that teams for flood rescue and temporary generators have been deployed. Operations bases have also been established, stocked with an impressive supply of 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water to face what is expected to be a significant disaster.

From Air Force One, President Joe Biden emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning that "this storm will be catastrophic" and that "survival is not guaranteed" for those in its path. As Milton moves east-northeast at a speed of 13 kilometers per hour, authorities continue to monitor its trajectory, which is expected to pass just south of Orlando, affecting not only Tampa but a large part of the state.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also called on the public not to underestimate the magnitude of the storm. He warned that, even though the hurricane may make landfall on the coast, the effects of heavy rainfall and strong winds will be felt well inland, potentially causing extensive damage. Flood and power outage warnings are becoming increasingly frequent.

Meanwhile, the population is rushing to prepare for the worst. Stores are being boarded up, and supermarkets are experiencing a surge in demand for essential products. Lines at checkout counters are long, and residents are trying to stock up on supplies amid a growing atmosphere of anxiety. Traffic jams leaving the state have been common as many attempt to escape the hurricane's path.

As the hours pass, tension continues to rise, and authorities urge the public to act quickly and follow evacuation guidelines. Time is running out, and as Milton approaches, the uncertainty of what lies ahead is palpable. As they prepare to face one of the worst hurricanes in history, Floridians unite in a struggle for safety, remembering the devastation that other hurricanes have left in their wake. The resilience of the community will be tested in the coming days as they hope that the impact of Milton will not be as devastating as feared.