Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a dangerous Category 4 storm, prompting Florida officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders for multiple counties, including the Tampa Bay area. As the storm approaches, residents are warned to evacuate due to potentially life-threatening storm surges expected to reach 8-12 feet in some areas. Governor Ron DeSantis has extended the state of emergency to 51 counties, and local shelters are being prepared to accommodate evacuees. The storm's projected path indicates a possible landfall along Florida's west coast, raising concerns about severe impacts, especially in the vulnerable Tampa region. Schools and universities are also closing in anticipation of the storm's arrival.