Hurricane "Milton" hit the west coast of the US state of Florida near the island of "Siesta Key" yesterday evening, Wednesday, with a force of "very dangerous Category 3". The US National Hurricane Center reported that the storm's wind speed reached 193 kilometers per hour, while strong storms formed before the hurricane arrived in parts of Florida, and water levels rose rapidly as strong winds pushed seawater inland. "Milton" reached Category 5 as it moved towards Florida from the Gulf of Mexico, but it was downgraded to Category 4, before dropping to Level 3 before reaching land. Due to the massive size of the storm, warnings remained equally important. US Homeland Security Secretary "Alejandro Mayorkas" described the situation as "a matter of life or death". Authorities urged millions of residents to evacuate their homes. The hurricane is expected to move from the Gulf Coast of Florida across the state towards the Atlantic Ocean, and severe destruction may occur off the coasts. Heavy rains are also e xpected, accompanied by strong winds and dangerously high tides, which may cause widespread flooding.' Source: National Iraqi News Agency