Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is urging Canadians currently in Florida to leave immediately and warning others to postpone travel plans as Hurricane Milton moves toward the state’s west coast.

The storm, downgraded early Thursday to Category 4 strength, is still expected to bring deadly storm surge, torrential rain and destructive winds. Milton is forecast to make landfall later today in the Tampa Bay region — home to more than 3.3 million people — before moving east through Sarasota, Orlando and Daytona Beach.

Millions of residents have been ordered to evacuate as emergency crews brace for what could be one of the most powerful storms to strike Florida in decades.

Joly said Florida remains a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds and tourists, though her office does not know how many Canadians are currently in the affected areas. She confirmed that Global Affairs Canada has been in contact with U.S. authorities and that registered Canadians have been sent email alerts advising them to evacuate.

The minister also reminded Canadians to stay connected with the Canadian embassy and consulates in the United States for updates and assistance as conditions worsen.