Tampa, Fla. — Fearful Florida residents streamed out of the Tampa Bay region Tuesday ahead of what could be a once-in-a-century direct hit from Hurricane Milton, as crews worked furiously to prevent furniture, appliances and other waterlogged wreckage from the last big storm from becoming deadly projectiles in this one.

Officials in Tampa urged residents to move electric vehicles, including e-bikes, wheelchairs and golf carts, out of the way of storm surge and floodwaters. They warned that electric vehicles had caused three dozen fires in Hillsborough County, where Tampa is, during Hurricane Helene last month.