People in Florida have been told to prepare to evacuate their homes as Hurricane Milton was upgraded to a category five storm brining 160mph winds - and will arrive this week

A hurricane warning was issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan state, and much of Florida’s west coast was under hurricane and storm surge watches.

Some communities have been told to leave their homes by Tuesday night as the hurricane approaches

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared 51 of the state's 67 counties under a state of emergency, predicting Hurricane Milton could have "major, major impacts".

The storm-ravaged Gulf Coast in Florida was expected to hit less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck.

Hurricane Milton has strengthened over warm waters and is heading toward major population centres including Tampa and Orlando

Hurricane Milton has strengthened over warm waters and is heading toward major population centres including Tampa and Orlando