According to CNN, with sustained winds of 290 km/h, “monster” storm Milton is the strongest storm on the planet this year. (Photo source: Reuters)

According to the latest hurricane forecast from the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Milton is still a Category 5 hurricane. The super storm, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, is expected to make landfall in the populous city of Tampa on October 9 (local time).

“If Milton continues on its current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years,” the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay wrote on social media X on October 7.

Florida residents are scrambling to prepare for the storm. Many have been asked to evacuate to ensure safety.

Tampa Bay is home to a large elderly population, making evacuations more complicated. Photo: Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, was used as a temporary shelter for people to escape the storm.

Sam Grande left his home with his belongings before the storm hit.

Traffic jams in St. Petersburg, Florida, as residents evacuate.

Tom Murphy prepares sandbags in Seminole, Florida, on October 6, 2024.

Rich Lorenzen carries his belongings out of his home before Hurricane Milton hits, in St. Pete Beach, Florida, on Oct. 7.

Bob Gendron loads sandbags onto his truck in Seminole, Florida, on October 6.

Bread shelves at a Walmart store in Tampa were nearly empty on October 6 due to panic buying.

Toilet paper shelves were also nearly empty at a Walmart store on October 6 as Hurricane Milton approached.

Workers help homeowners pack up their belongings as they evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton, Oct. 7, 2024.

A gas station runs out of fuel in Tampa on October 6.

A man carries sandbags home before Hurricane Milton makes landfall, in St. Pete Beach, Oct. 7.

David Sampson and Danny Welker reinforce their home ahead of Hurricane Matthew, in St. Pete, Florida, on October 7.

Readers are invited to watch more videos: Super typhoon Goni makes landfall in the Philippines (Video source: THĐT)