Florida resident Aaron Pilkington has told GB News he plans to defy evacuation orders as Hurricane Milton approaches the US state.
Speaking to Martin Daubney, Pilkington said: "I am staying right here. We're going to see how it goes."
He cited his apartment's hurricane-resistant construction and a desire for adrenaline as reasons for staying. "It's Florida, we're having a hurricane party, we've got a few cases of beer," Pilkington added, despite officials warning of the storm's severe threat.
Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm, is rapidly approaching Florida's west coast.
With sustained winds of nearly 155 mph (250km/h), it threatens to bring catastrophic damage to areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene's devastation less than two weeks ago.
The US National Hurricane Centre warns of a possible 8 to 12-foot (2.4 to 3.6 metres) storm surge in Tampa Bay, which has not experienced a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century.
As of Monday morning, Hurricane Milton's centre was located about 150 miles (240km) west of Progreso, Mexico, and 735 miles (1,185km) southwest of Tampa.
Aaron Pilkington is seemingly unconcerned about Hurricane Milton, despite warnings of potentially devastating effects
GB NEWS
The storm was moving east-southeast at 8mph (13kph), according to the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami.
Forecasters predict Milton will make landfall in the Tampa Bay region on Wednesday evening local time, potentially bringing 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25cm) of rain to mainland Florida and the Keys.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents to heed evacuation orders.
Predicted path of Hurricane MiltonREUTERS/US National Hurricane Center"Time is running out, but you do have time today to make the decision," he warned.
DeSantis emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, "We're not going to be able to bring people back who stay behind in 10 or 15 feet of storm surge."
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor echoed this sentiment, declaring, "This is the real deal here with Milton. If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100 per cent of the time."
Pilkington joined Daubney on GB News
GB NEWS
Local authorities have taken swift action in preparation for Hurricane Milton.
Schools in affected areas will close mid-week, and Walt Disney World is monitoring the situation.
St Pete-Clearwater International Airport announced its closure after Tuesday's final flight, while Tampa International Airport plans to halt operations from Tuesday morning.
Hillsborough County has ordered evacuations for areas near Tampa Bay and all mobile homes by Tuesday night. Sheriff Chad Chronister acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, especially following Hurricane Helene's recent impact.
