Hurricane Milton strengthens to CAT 5 as Florida braces for impact

Hurricane Milton surged into a Category 5 storm Monday, with forecasts predicting a direct hit on Florida’s Gulf Coast by mid-week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Milton intensified rapidly over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, reaching sustained winds of nearly 180 mph by Monday afternoon.

“This is an extremely life-threatening situation,” the NHC warned, urging residents to heed local officials’ advice and evacuate if instructed. “Milton is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through landfall in Florida.”

Milton is expected to weaken slightly before making landfall, though it will still be a major hurricane. Current forecasts indicate it will strike the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall, storm surges, and damaging winds are expected, with some areas possibly receiving up to 15 inches of rain.

A hurricane warning has been issued along Florida’s west coast, from Bonita Beach to the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay. The NHC noted that the eye of the storm is becoming more defined as it travels northeast. Storm surges in the Tampa Bay area could reach between 10 and 15 feet above ground.

Milton is forecast to pass near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Tuesday, where heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds are anticipated. Mexican officials have issued a hurricane warning from Celestun to Rio Lagartos and a tropical storm warning from east of Cabo Catoche to Cancun.

Governor Ron DeSantis expanded a state of emergency to 51 counties on Sunday, urging residents to finalize their preparations. “You have time to prepare — all day today, all day Monday, probably all day Tuesday,” he said. “If you’re on that west coast of Florida, barrier islands, just assume you’ll be asked to leave.”

With ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, Florida officials are particularly concerned about the state’s vulnerability. Debris left by Helene poses additional risks, and FEMA has expedited removal efforts in Tampa ahead of Milton’s arrival. “Debris remaining from the impacts of Hurricane Helene poses additional threats to lives and livelihoods,” a White House statement noted.

As of Monday, mandatory evacuations were already in effect for parts of the west coast, with bumper-to-bumper traffic reported on major highways. Florida officials assured residents that law enforcement will be present in evacuated areas to prevent looting.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is set to visit Florida to coordinate with state and local authorities. FEMA has already mobilized search and rescue teams, ambulances, and millions of liters of water and meals for affected residents.

DeSantis also acknowledged the stress on Floridians who are facing two major hurricanes in quick succession, advising residents to remain vigilant. “All available state assets are being marshaled to help remove debris,” he said. “We’re going 24-7 — it’s all hands on deck.”