El Hurricane Milton, which has reached Category 5 status, is moving toward the west coast of Florida, prompting authorities to implement evacuation orders in several areas. It is expected to continue at the same intensity near the coasts of Yucatan.

According to Conagua, the hurricane It will cause very heavy to torrential rains in the northeast, east, south and southeast of Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as strong winds and high waves on the Gulf coast of the country.

At 10:00 a.m., the center of Milton was located 165 kilometers west-northwest of Celestún, Yucatán, and 265 km west-northwest of Progreso.

It is expected to move over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida, U.S.

Conagua explained that the area under alert extends from Celestún to Río Lagartos, Yucatán.

Hurricane surveillance zone from Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche, Yucatan, and from Campeche, Campeche, to Celestún, Yucatán, and a prevention zone for the effects of tropical storms from Río Lagartos, Yucatán, to Cancún, Quintana Roo.

The states that are waiting Heavy rains due to Milton are (150 to 250mm) in Campeche and Yucatan; intense rains (75 to 150mm) in Puebla, Veracruz, Tabasco and Quintana Roo; and heavy rains (25 to 50mm) in Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Hidalgo and Tlaxcala.

What is the path of Hurricane Milton?

• Monday 7 of October: Milton becomes a Category 5 hurricane.

• Tuesday 8 of October: Milton remains a Category 5 hurricane.

• Wednesday 9 of October: Milton remains a Category 5 hurricane, but will be downgraded at 12:00 p.m.

• Thursday 10 of October: Milton continues to lose strength and could drop to Category 3 on land.

• Friday October 11: Milton downgrades to post-tropical cyclone

• Saturday 12 of October: Milton remains a post-tropical cyclone

Milton: Impact in Florida

In the United States, the affected areas and recommendations for residents are detailed below.

Evacuation zones

So far, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in several Florida counties:

– Manatee County: Evacuations are mandatory for residents in Zones A and B, which include areas near water and those prone to flooding. The order goes into effect at 2 p.m. Monday.

– Pasco County: As of 10 a.m., mandatory evacuation has been ordered for Zones A and B, as well as mobile home residents and those in vulnerable areas. A voluntary order has also been issued for Zone C.

– Pinellas County: A mandatory evacuation order has been put in place for residential healthcare facilities in Zones A, B and C.

– Hillsborough County: Evacuation orders go into effect at 2:30 p.m. Monday for Zones A and B. Residents in mobile homes should evacuate immediately.

– Fort Myers Beach: Mandatory evacuation has been ordered by 3 p.m. Monday for all residents and business owners.

Preparations for evacuation

Authorities have recommended that residents take certain steps to properly prepare:

– Planning: Have a clear evacuation plan and know the routes to safe shelters.

– Supplies: Make sure you have food, water and other essential supplies for at least a week.

- Information: Keep emergency numbers handy and stay up to date with weather updates.

Hurricane Milton is forecast to make landfall near Tampa Bay on Wednesday, with maximum sustained winds that could reach up to 205 mph (128 km/h).

Officials have warned that the state could experience significant impact, especially in areas already affected by recent storms like Helene. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 51 counties and urged people to prepare for power outages and other disruptions. 

The situation is still evolving, so residents are advised to stay informed through official sources and local media.