Hurricane Milton strengthens to a Category 5 storm

Hurricane Milton has strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it approaches Florida's Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall Wednesday. NBC News' Dana Griffin and Bill Karins report on the storm's path and how residents are reacting.

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#Milton #HurricaneMilton #Florida

[jaydas]

I live in Tampa, I’ve evacuated with my family. I’m praying for everyone’s safety. We all need to take these storms seriously.

[renegadeoffunk]

My friends in Tampa have evacuated. Their 3rd evacuation now and this is the Storm they and most Tampa residents have feared the most. God help them and everyone else affected.

[SherriUS]

People should evacuate don’t put responders in danger. Listen to your officials.

[Kai-tnyx]

At some point, there is just no point in settling in certain regions if you have to evacuate the people multiple times per year.

[doinitforfun]

Governor DeSantis what about price gouging. I hear some places charge $10 a gallon for gas. Price gouging should be charged if it's going on.

[mkst]

"the best way to survive is to not be there". Well said

[rastaman]

Me ~ god this could be the most dangerous storm in years.

My boss ~ everyone drive safe to work in the morning

[timsumner]

Why the heck are people playing on the beach right now...🤦‍♂️

[tfisher]

I couldn't bare going through something like this again, when Helene ripped through 2 wks ago..unreal..I'd be outta there..Stay safe Florida.

[jermelpurse]

I hope these new stations don’t have reporters out there in the wind when this hurricane comes assure. That’s what I hate seeing the most because it gives people a sense of security seeing someone out there in the hurricane. CNN, NBC, ABC don’t have your reporters out there during the storm.

[cantfindjordan-pr]

My grams house is still under construction from Ian 2 years ago. Florida not a great place to live.

[mauri]

the worst part .... landfall is at night

[mericanmadesoldier]

Stop saying it’s gonna drop to cat 3 when you don’t know! Extremely irresponsible! Leave now before you CANT

[raneads]

😮 Sand bags are good for about 15 inches of standing water, not so much with regards to a possible 35 foot storm surge. 😮

[happybergner]

Sending prayers for you, Florida. Please stay safe. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 for you

[willyD]

Mother nature knows no boundries. I'll take northern New England blizzards any day over Hurricans, tornados or wild fires. Snow eventually melts. Prayers for those living in the path of these storms.

[abhijitmitra]

A Category 5 hurricane is the most intense classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranks hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds. Category 5 hurricanes are defined by having sustained wind speeds of 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher. These hurricanes are extremely dangerous and capable of causing catastrophic damage.

Key characteristics of a Category 5 hurricane:
Wind Speed: 157 mph (252 km/h) or more.
Damage Potential:
Homes and buildings are at extreme risk of being severely damaged or destroyed, including total roof failure and wall collapse.
Extensive tree and power pole destruction, often leading to long-term power outages.
Roads, bridges, and coastal infrastructure can be heavily impacted by both wind and storm surge.
Storm Surge: Often, Category 5 hurricanes bring massive storm surges, causing severe coastal flooding that can extend miles inland, with the potential for permanent changes to coastal landscapes.
Some famous Category 5 hurricanes include Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Andrew (1992), and Hurricane Dorian (2019). These storms caused widespread devastation, loss of life, and long-term economic and environmental impacts.

[oldgreenknees]

I never thought I’d say this but we have to help florida.

[marikoarrigoni]

Not all of us could evacuated - Florida needs all prayers, please!

[Karenbutterflyspritasmr]

this is a very, very dangerous storm..I hope everyone in Tampa takes this seriously.All of the west coast...stay safe!!