大象传媒

As Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, residents are being forced to decide where they stay, or follow advice to evacuate. Milton - a category five storm - is expected to hit the Tampa area late on Wednesday, packing ferocious winds of up to 165mph (270km/h).

Steve Paris lives in Tampa. Unlike many residents who are fleeing, Steve has chosen to stay at home with his girlfriend and their friends, saying their financial situation is preventing them from leaving.

Kathie Tierney usually lives in Tennessee but went to Florida to lend her support to loved ones two weeks ago when Hurricane Helene hit. She had to evacuate from Florida this time with Hurricane Milton on the way. The trip usually takes her nine hours, but she explains how the journey took her 16, with cars bumper to bumper along the highway.

(Image: Buildings boarded up in Tampa, Florida, in anticipation of the arrival of the Hurricane. Credit: Getty Images)