Storm chaser Aaron Jayjack reported from Punta Gorda, Florida, on the evening of Oct. 9, highlighting dangerous storm surge conditions as they began

Hurricane Milton is churning toward Florida ’s west coast. The Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million people, is facing the possibility of widespread destruction after avoiding direct hits from major hurricanes for more than a century.

Hurricane Milton dropped to a Category 4 early Wednesday as it churns toward Florida's west coast. The National Hurricane Center had predicted it would likely weaken, but remain a major hurricane when it makes landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday.

The powerful and dangerous Hurricane Milton is expected to make Wednesday landfall in Florida. Follow live updates.

Hurricane Milton began lashing Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday with rain and heavy winds as tornadoes roared over parts of the state, slamming a region that is still reeling from Hurricane Helene.The Category 3 storm had maximum sustained winds of 120 miles an hour and was about 60 miles west-southwest of Sarasota,