Hurricane forecast: Milton strengthens to Category 5 as Florida orders evacuations

Hurricane Milton increased to a Category 5 storm on Monday as it barreled toward an already-battered Florida. Here’s the latest information on the storm.

Florida braces for 2nd major hurricane in as many weeks
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Mandatory evacuations are underway across the west coast of Florida as millions of residents prepare for life-threatening impacts from Hurricane Milton, which continues to rapidly intensify over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm with winds of 180 mph. LiveNOW's Andrew Craft spoke with FOX Weather's Robert Ray live from Fort Myers Beach, Florida as folks there brace for the second major hurricane in as many weeks.

Hurricane, Tropical Storm Watch vs. Warning: Here's what each means

Warnings are more dire than watches, but both need to be taken seriously. Here's a look at the differences between a Tropical Storm Watch, Hurricane Watch, Storm Surge Watch, Tropical Storm Warning, Hurricane Warning, and Storm Surge Warning.

International Space Station captures view of ‘colossal’ Hurricane Milton

NASA released footage of Hurricane Milton recorded by the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday, October 7, as the storm churned across the Gulf of Mexico.

US storm deaths can climb for years after storms, reaching thousands, report finds

A new report published in Nature reveals that hurricanes and tropical storms in the U.S. can indirectly cause thousands of deaths up to 15 years after the event.

Hurricane Milton upgrades to Cat 5 Hurricane
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Hurricane Milton update: Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 5 storm. Florida is ordering evacuations as several counties work to clear debris brought by Helene.

Tracking Milton: FL Governor DeSantis provides update
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Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified and is now a major Cat 4 hurricane with max winds of 150 mph. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis provides update.

Hurricane Milton quickly intensifying
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The latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Milton has now reached Category 3 status as wind speeds continue to quickly intensify, the NHC's Director, Michael Brennan tracks the storm for LiveNOW.

Milton latest: Hurricane expected to intensify to Category 4 before Florida landfall

Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying as it barrels toward Florida, where potentially life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and torrential rain are expected.

Hurricane Helene aftermath: recovery in Georgia
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The death toll in Georgia due to Hurricane Helene has risen to 33, with a total of nearly 200 fatalities across the South. The estimated cost of the storm's damage in Georgia is $417 million, which is expected to increase as more counties report their losses. The Georgia National Guard has deployed approximately 2,000 members to assist with recovery efforts, and President Joe Biden has authorized increased federal disaster assistance for the state. Frances Floresca is an Augusta, Georgia resident, and freelance reporter. She joins LiveNOW from FOX to share insight to the recovery in her community.

Milton expected to become a major hurricane before slamming into Florida

The forecast for Tropical Storm Milton has evolved quite a bit in the last 24 hours, showing greater potential to be a more significant storm.

Hurricane Helene weather reports from college student go viral

An unexpected source became a trusted and go-to place for information during Hurricane Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina - a college student’s Facebook page.

WATCH: Harris gives briefing after hurricane recovery tour
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Democratic presidential nominee, and current Vice President Kamala Harris pledged ongoing federal support as she visited North Carolina on Saturday. This is Harris' second trip in four days to the disaster zone. The vice president was in Charlotte one day after a visit to the state by Republican Donald Trump, who is spreading false claims about the federal response to the disaster.

North Carolina disaster relief following Hurricane Helene
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Hurricane Helene recovery continues across the southeastern portion of the United States. As of this report, more than 200 people have died. It?s the worst storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005. Non-profits, such as Operation Blessing, are responding with aid deliveries and other assistance. Diego Traverso, Director of International Disaster Relief, joins LiveNOW from FOX.