Foreign Office issues 'life threatening' travel warning to UK tourists in USA and Mexico

Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida and parts of Mexico with hurricane-force winds and heavy rain, causing a risk to life in some areas

UK tourists in the USA and Mexico have been told to watch out for evacuation orders as Hurricane Milton races towards the coast. The Category 4 hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida by Wednesday evening.

The monster storm quickly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane on Monday, with sustained winds surpassing 180mph, before slowing slightly on Tuesday, however the National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton may regain strength. The extreme weather event is already lashing Mexico with strong winds and rain, according to reports.

Tampa mayor Jane Castor warned residents they 'are going to die' if they choose to stay in areas that are being evacuated. The British Foreign Office issued travel warnings to UK tourists visiting the two countries on Tuesday, urging people to closely monitor weather updates and follow any evacuation orders.

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For travellers in Mexico, the government department said: "Damaging hurricane-force winds are expected across portions of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. A life-threatening storm surge with damaging waves is also likely along portions of the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders."

Holidaymakers travelling to the USA have been told: "Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida on the night of October 9 or morning of October 10 with tropical force winds affecting the west coast from the morning of October 9. There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and high winds on the west coast and heavy rainfall and high winds are expected to impact large parts of Florida.

"You should: monitor approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center website, follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website for information on preparing for extreme weather and evacuating [and] check with your airline or travel agent about possible disruption to flights or airport services and follow their advice."