Milton targets communities still reeling two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded streets and homes in western Florida along its devastating march that left at least 230 dead across the South.
, where some residents have insisted they will stay after millions were ordered to evacuate and officials warned stragglers would face grim odds of surviving.
"Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida," the centre warned. Forecasters predicted the storm would retain hurricane strength as it crossed central Florida on Thursday on a path east toward the Atlantic Ocean. The hurricane's precise track remained uncertain, as forecasters on Tuesday evening nudged its projected path slightly south of Tampa.
Many homes sat vacant, but accountant and art collector Scott Joiner remained on the second floor of the New Orleans-style home he built 17 years ago. Joiner said bull sharks swam in the flooded streets and a neighbour had to be rescued by canoe when Helene passed and flooded the first floor of his home.
"I think we'll just hang, you know — tough it out," said Martin Oakes, of nearby Apollo Beach. "We got shutters up. The house is all ready. So this is sort of the last piece of the puzzle."On Anna Marie Island along the southern edge of Tampa Bay, Evan Purcell packed up his father's ashes and was trying to catch his nine-year-old cat, McKenzie, as he prepared to leave Tuesday. Helene left him with thousands of dollars in damage when his home flooded.
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