Brevard emergency officials in a livestream Monday said they are prepared ahead of Hurricane Milton, which became a Category 5 hurricane Monday with winds of 160 mph. It’s expected to make landfall near Tampa on Wednesday.

Hurricane Milton is expected to intensify into a major storm before making landfall on Wednesday. You can also visit the Florida Disaster website for statewide information and updates here or call the State Assistance Information Line at 1-800-342-3557. There are English, Spanish and Creole speakers available to answer questions.

President Biden on Monday signed a disaster declaration for Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches its coast, the second major storm to hit the state in recent weeks. Biden’s emergency declaration, which is effective as of Oct.

The storm is expected to produce a devasting surge along Florida’s west coast, which could include the Tampa Bay area. Some decrease in strength is forecast ahead of landfall.

Milton has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane as Florida gears up for what could be its biggest evacuation in seven years

Milton has rapidly strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming a Category 5 storm Monday on a path toward Florida

Hurricane, storm surge and tropical storm watches have been issued for portions of Florida as Hurricane Milton strengthens.

Milton strengthened rapidly Monday into a Category 5 hurricane on a path toward Florida, threatening the densely populated Tampa area with a potential direct hit and menacing the same stretch of coastline that was battered by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago.