Hurricane Milton is now a Category 5 storm heading toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, with the Tampa Bay area expected to take the brunt of the hit by Wednesday. The Biden administration is mobilizing federal resources, including U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams, ambulances, and millions of meals and water supplies to assist in preparation and recovery.

President Biden approved Florida’s emergency declaration to ensure federal support is available for evacuations, search and rescue, and storm response. With the region still recovering from Hurricane Helene, efforts to clear debris and prepare the area for another storm are critical. The storm surge could reach eight to 12 feet, and rainfall may cause widespread flooding in the region.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been stressing the urgency of clearing debris left by Helene to prevent any additional damage.

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