Hurricane Milton grows larger as 'extremely dangerous' storm surge roars closer to Florida: Live updates

Florida police rescue dog was tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton evacuation

Florida residents exposed to Hurricane Milton have received a final emergency alert urging them to “GET OUT NOW” before the storm makes landfall Wednesday evening.

As Milton's intensity continues to fluctuate and weakens again to a Category 4 hurricane on Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center predicts it will be “one of the most destructive hurricanes ever for West Central Florida.”

The storm's magnitude continues to increase and winds are expected to increase along Florida's west coast this afternoon, the NHC warned.

In Pinellas County's latest emergency warning, officials urged residents to “GET OUT NOW. This is your last chance to get out before the storm.”

Federal and state officials urged those in Milton's path to evacuate to avoid “catastrophic” winds, up to 18 inches of rain and storm surges up to 15 feet high before the major hurricane hits Florida's central west coast.

“This is the 11th hour. If you are in an evacuation zone, now is the time to get out,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chard Chronister told CNN on Wednesday.

Vice President Kamala Harris warned that even Florida's toughest residents would not survive the “historic” hurricane, she said The Late Show on Tuesday evening.

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Thanks to the climate crisis, Florida is twice as likely to be hit by hurricanes like Milton

Thanks to the climate crisis, Florida is twice as likely to be hit by hurricanes as Milton

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:30 p.m

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NASA's Kennedy Space Center closes before Milton

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:29 p.m

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Governor DeSantis is urging residents to evacuate while they can before Hurricane Milton hits

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:25 p.m

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Watch: The unprecedented rapid intensification of Hurricane Milton

The unprecedented rapid intensification of Hurricane Milton

Mike BediganOctober 9, 2024 9:20 p.m

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Tropical storm-force winds and heavy rains spread inland across the Florida peninsula

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:18 p.m

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The dog rescued by Florida authorities is safe

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:17 p.m

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Photos show moments before Hurricane Milton made landfall

Erin Ferguson walks her dog in Port Richey, Florida, on Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Milton. ((AP Photo/Mike Carlson))

Christian Burke stands at the door of his home in Gulfport, Florida, where he, his mother and his aunt plan to weather Hurricane Milton on Wednesday. ((AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell))

Rain falls in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday afternoon. ((AP Photo/Julio Cortez))

A boat damaged by Hurricane Helene sits at a bridge in South Pasadena, Florida, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton on Wednesday. ((AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell))

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:15 p.m

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes the importance of trustworthy sources of information

“Right now it's so important to turn to trusted sources of information … and not listen to just anyone on the internet,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told MSNBC Wednesday afternoon.

He advised people to contact the 511 system for updates.

Buttigieg said Transportation Department employees were on the ground outside Milton, Florida.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure Florida is well-positioned for recovery,” he said.

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:14 p.m

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People pose for photos at Florida's southernmost point as the waves crash down on them

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:10 p.m

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Hannity spreads false claims about FEMA's hurricane response – which Fox News itself has discredited

Hannity said during his monologue that he was responding to comments made by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

“Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says FEMA is running out of money and going bankrupt,” he said on his show. “This has not been a busy hurricane season.”

Julia MustoOctober 9, 2024 9:05 p.m

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