The US is bracing for the potentially life-threatening impacts of just two weeks after caused widespread devastation in parts of the country.

Millions of people in Florida have been , with officials saying that those refusing to do so would face grim odds of surviving. The Tampa Bay area, which is home to more than 3.3 million people, face the possibility of when the hurricane makes landfall.

Forecasters predicted the storm will retain hurricane strength as it crosses central Florida on a path east towards the Atlantic Ocean. US President warned that Milton "could be one of the worst storms in 100 years to hit Florid" and urged people to evacuate, declaring: "It's a matter of life and death."

READ MORE:

The monstrous Category 5 hurricane is expected to make landfall late on Wednesday. The National Hurricane Centre predicted Milton would likely weaken, but still remain a major hurricane as it crosses central Florida on Thursday on a path east toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The "extremely dangerous hurricane" could strike near the city of Tampa, causing torrential rain, flash flooding and high winds. Forecasters warned there is also a risk of storm surges, which occur when there is a change in sea level caused by a powerful storm. This can lead to "extensive flooding" and can pose a real threat to those who live in coastal areas.

The hurricane has been moving eastwards through the Gulf of Mexico after brushing past Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Early on Wednesday, Milton was located about 360 miles (580km) southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260kmh), the National Hurricane Centre reported.

The hurricane's precise track remained uncertain. On Tuesday evening, forecasters nudged its projected path slightly south of Tampa. It is expected to cut across Florida before ending up in the Atlantic Ocean.

Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders across 11 Florida counties with a combined population of about 5.9 million people, according to US Census Bureau estimates. Officials have warned that anyone staying behind must fend for themselves, as first responders are not expected to risk their lives attempting rescues at the height of the storm.

In Riverview, south of Tampa, several drivers waiting in a long line for fuel Tuesday said they had no plans to evacuate. "I think we'll just hang, you know - tough it out," said Martin Oakes, of nearby Apollo Beach. "We got shutters up. The house is all ready. So this is sort of the last piece of the puzzle."

Others weren't taking any chances after Helene. On Anna Marie Island along the southern edge of Tampa Bay, Evan Purcell packed up his father's ashes and was trying to catch his nine-year-old cat, McKenzie, as he prepared to leave Tuesday.

After Helene left him with thousands of dollars in damage when his home flooded, he feared Milton might take the rest. "I'm still in shock over the first one and here comes round two," Purcell said. "I just have a pit in my stomach about this one."

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor noted that up to 15 feet (4.5m) of storm surge forecast for her city would be deep enough to swallow an entire house. "So if you're in it, basically that's the coffin that you're in," Castor said.

President Joe Biden said he is postponing a planned trip to Germany and Angola to stay at the White House to monitor the hurricane as it spins closer to Florida's Gulf Coast. "I just don't think I can be out of the country at this time," he said at the White House after senior members of the administration updated him on the storm and the government's preparations.

Biden warned that Milton "could be one of the worst storms in 100 years to hit Florida," and said he's working "to increase the size and presence" of the federal government's response. He said people in the storm's path should heed local orders to evacuate and leave "now".

"You should have already evacuated," Biden said, seated with some of the officials who briefed him. "It's a matter of life and death, and that's not hyperbole. It's a matter of life and death."