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FLORIDA, US - OCT. 9, 2024: Flights at Orlando International Airport in Florida were canceled on Wednesday (Oct. 9) due to the approaching Hurricane Milton. Federal and local authorities continue to issue warnings as the hurricane moves toward the Florida coast. Residents and travelers are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the storm nears. Milton is currently a dauntingly powerful Category 4 hurricane as it prepares to come ashore late Wednesday or early Thursday. It is expected to remain a hurricane as it tears across central and northern Florida before entering the Atlantic Ocean. More than 1,000 federal personnel are on the ground assisting state and local officials as they recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene after it crossed the state's panhandle area two weeks ago. An additional 1,200 search and rescue personnel are being deployed to Florida to aid in preparations for Milton. Multiple tornado warnings have already been put into effect, and tropical storm winds of between 39 to 73 mph (63 to 120 kph) are now occurring offshore hours before the hurricane makes landfall. The NHC said those in the storm's path should head indoors, and stay away from windows. The storm is packing sustained winds of up to 145 mph (230 kph). Forecasters have warned that the exact area where Milton will come ashore is difficult to predict, but current models have it making landfall just south of Tampa Bay near Sarasota before cutting across the Florida peninsula. Storm surge warnings are in effect for nearly all of Florida's west coast, running from the southern tip of the state through Yankeetown. That area encompasses several major population centers, including Tampa Bay where the NHC is warning of a storm surge of between 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters). (Footage by Paul Hennesy /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)