Hurricane Milton has intensified rapidly, with dangerously strong winds and storm surges forecast for Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula before the storm is set to slam into Florida in the coming days.

Milton has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane as Florida gears up for what could be its biggest evacuation in seven years

Florida is facing the threat of another major hurricane making landfall in the state, prompting state emergency officials to prepare for the evacuation of potentially more than 6 million residents as the state still recovers from its last direct hit.