The Foreign Office‘s website includes travel advice regarding the USA that’s particularly important as Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida. 

The Category Five storm is expected to make landfall in the US on Wednesday, and has sparked one of the biggest evacuations of people in recent years.

The storm was upgraded after winds reached 150mph, while it swept east across the Gulf of Mexico on Monday.

The severe weather is forecast to hit the same areas devastated by the recent Hurricane Helene, which killed more than 200 people. 

Milton is predicted to hit the Tampa Bay area before travelling over Orlando.

Meteorologist Mike Masco noted on X: “There is the potential for some additional increase in intensity through the day.

“Latest short-range high resolution forecast models show a landfall in the #Tampa #StPete area by Wednesday night.

“This type of ‘direct hit’ as well as intensity based on the going forecast has not been seen since 1848, that hurricane was believed to be a category 4.”

In the event of Brits being caught up in a storm, the Foreign Office said people should observe the following procedures:

1. Monitor approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center website.
2. Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders.
3. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website for information on preparing for extreme weather and evacuating.
4. Check with your airline or travel agent about possible disruption to flights or airport services and follow their advice.

Keith Guthrie, the director of Florida’s emergency management division, warned residents to prepare for the “largest evacuation that we have seen, most likely since 2017 Hurricane Irma”.

He added: “I highly encourage you to evacuate.”

Roughly seven million people were forced to leave in 2017, as Hurricane Irma approached.

The exodus caused huge traffic jams on motorways and at petrol stations, leaving many stranded for hours

Lessons have been learnt from that chaotic evacuation, officials said. Emergency fuel stations and charging points for electric vehicles will be provided along evacuation routes.