As Hurricane Milton intensified on its path toward Florida's Gulf Coast, the strength of the system increased the severity of the storm surge forecast.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned residents Monday to prepare for evacuation ahead of Hurricane Milton, even as crews were still working to clear debris left from Hurricane Helene.

Milton's center could come ashore Wednesday in the Tampa Bay region, which has not endured a direct hit by a major hurricane in more than a century.