Hurricane Milton expected to unleash powerful storm surge on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Storm could make landfall on Wednesday as state prepares for what could be biggest evacuation since 2017

• What is a storm surge, and what is the threat from Hurricane Milton?

The Gulf Coast of Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton's winds and expected huge storm surge, which could bring destruction to areas reeling from Helene's devastation 12 days ago and still recovering from Ian's wrath two years ago.

Almost all of Florida's west coast was under a hurricane warning early on Tuesday, as the storm and its 155mph (250km/h) winds crept toward the state at 9mph, sucking energy from the Gulf of Mexico's warm water.