As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast, a powerful tornado has hit a highway, further escalating the dangerous conditions brought by the massive Category 4 storm. With sustained winds near 145 mph, Milton is expected to make landfall soon, bringing a life-threatening storm surge of up to 15 feet between Tampa and Port Charlotte, according to Michael Brennan, the director of the National Hurricane Center.

Brennan warned that urban and flash flooding could persist into Thursday, posing a significant risk, especially given the tragic loss of 16 lives in the same area during Hurricane Ian in 2022. He explained that Tampa is particularly vulnerable, with even a minor shift in the storm’s path potentially directing the worst of the storm surge directly into the city.

“As close as we are to landfall, it’s not really possible to tell exactly where that worst surge will occur,” Brennan cautioned, noting that a “wobble” in the storm’s track could move it by just 10 or 20 miles, drastically altering the impacts.

Brennan highlighted that Tampa Bay’s geography funnels water into the region, which could lead to a storm surge potentially double what the city experienced during Hurricane Helene. Florida’s western and northeastern coasts are bracing for some form of surge, but Tampa remains one of the most at-risk areas, where surges could reach up to 15 feet.

Residents in affected areas are urged to heed evacuation orders and take immediate precautions as the storm bears down on Florida’s vulnerable coast.

A state of emergency has been declared across parts of Florida as the Gulf Coast faces the threat of another major storm, just days after being ravaged by Storm Helene. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for Tropical Storm Milton, which is expected to strengthen quickly and potentially bring life-threatening conditions to the region.

Currently hovering off the coast of Mexico with wind speeds of 60 mph (95 km/h), Storm Milton is forecasted to intensify and make landfall along Florida’s west coast by mid-week. This comes as the state is still grappling with the devastation left by Storm Helene, which tragically claimed over 225 lives in the southeastern U.S., including 14 in Florida. Hundreds of people remain unaccounted for in the wake of the deadly storm, which was the worst since Hurricane Katrina.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an emergency warning for 35 counties and assured residents that efforts are underway to restore power, clear roads, and prepare for the possibility of another major storm. Heavy rainfall is predicted, with the potential for flash flooding and river flooding as the storm intensifies. The Florida Peninsula and Keys could see between 5 to 12 inches (127 to 304 mm) of rain, adding to the urgency of storm preparations.

With Storm Milton posing another serious threat, authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the state braces for a difficult week ahead.

Severe flash floods and landslides in central Bosnia-Herzegovina have claimed at least 14 lives, with entire towns and villages left isolated by the destruction. The hardest-hit areas include the region around Jablanica, a town located between the cities of Mostar and Sarajevo, where homes were submerged, and landslides buried buildings in debris.

After an intense overnight storm, rivers overflowed, causing widespread flooding and leaving many people missing. Authorities have declared a state of emergency as they continue rescue and recovery efforts. Development Minister Vojin Mijatovic described the situation as a “terrible disaster” and urged residents to remain calm.

The floodwaters washed away roads, bridges, and railways, leaving infrastructure in ruins. In some areas, aerial images show communities completely inundated, with landslides further complicating rescue operations. A critical section of the M-17 road near Jablanica has been blocked by debris, and part of a railway track was left hanging after a landslide.

In Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, local officials have warned drivers to stay off roads near Jablanica due to the hazardous conditions. To the west, around Kiseljak, floodwaters left cars submerged and streets completely underwater, adding to the devastation. As rescue teams work tirelessly, the number of casualties is feared to rise in the coming days.