Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm, is rapidly intensifying and heading towards Florida, prompting widespread preparations for potential life-threatening impacts. Officials have issued hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge watches along Florida's Gulf Coast and are urging residents to evacuate ahead of the storm's predicted landfall. The state of Florida has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, activated the National Guard, and sent resources to affected areas. Schools across the region have been closed, and evacuations are being ordered for coastal areas as residents brace for the storm's arrival.