Hurricane Milton churned Wednesday toward a potentially catastrophic collision along the west coast of Florida, where some residents insisted they would stay after millions were ordered to evacuate and officials warned that stragglers would face grim odds of surviving.

Hurricane Milton, now a Category 4 hurricane, is taking aim at Florida's west coast. Landfall is expected late Wednesday night as a Category 4 hurricane. Milton is closing in as Floridians are still recovering from the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene.

Regardless of where the storm hits directly, much of the central portion of Florida is at risk of flash flooding, destructive wind and possible tornadoes.

Fearful Florida residents streamed out of the Tampa Bay region Tuesday ahead of what could be a once-in-a-century direct hit from Hurricane Milton, as crews worked furiously to prevent furniture, appliances and other waterlogged wreckage from the last big storm from becoming deadly projectiles in this one.