Hurricane Milton’s outer bands reach Florida as millions of residents race to prepare — or flee the path

Millions of Floridians in the near-certain path of Category 4 Hurricane Milton have just hours remaining to prepare for — or evacuate from — the monstrous storm, which is forecast to strike a devastating blow to the central Gulf coast, then carve a path of destruction to the opposite side of the state.

Milton is expected to come ashore within 40 miles north or south of Sarasota with the potential to be “one of the most destructive hurricanes on record” for Florida. The potential landfall zone includes Tampa Bay...