Dangerous Category 5 storm with 180 mph winds heads toward Florida.
Hurricane Milton Tracker: A Dangerous Category 5 storm with 180 mph sustained winds heads toward Florida; massive evacuations ordered
The hurricane is rapidly strengthening ahead of its expected landfall Wednesday.
Hurricane Milton rapidly strengthened Monday morning, moving from a Category 4 to a dangerous Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of nearly 180 mph as it targeted Florida's Gulf Coast, which is still reeling from Helen's record-breaking landfall more than a week ago.
"Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes ever to make landfall in west-central Florida," the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 p.m. ET update.
Millions face the prospect of evacuations as Milton gains momentum toward the Tampa Bay area, where it is expected to make landfall Wednesday evening. If it stays on its current track, Milton could be the worst storm to hit the Tampa area in over 100 years.
The hurricane is one of only 40 recorded to strengthen to Category 5 status in the Atlantic and one of seven to go from Category 1 to Category 5 in 24 hours or less. During a call with reporters Monday afternoon, Federal Emergency Management Agency officials described Milton as the third-fastest-growing storm on record in the Atlantic, behind hurricanes Wilma (2005) and Felix (2007).
Speaking at a news conference Monday alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, state Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie urged those in the Tampa Bay area to evacuate.
"I'm begging you. I'm pleading with you," Guthrie said. "Drowning deaths from storm surges are 100 percent preventable if you leave."
DeSantis said Monday that 51 Florida counties are now under a state of emergency. President Biden declared a state of emergency in Florida on Monday, ordering federal assistance to help supplement state and local efforts to respond to Hurricane Milton.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the Mexican government has issued a hurricane warning for the Mexican coast from Celestino to Cabo Catuche and a tropical storm warning from Celestino to Cancun. Those in the Florida peninsula, the Florida Keys, and the northwestern Bahamas are urged to monitor the hurricane's progress.
Where is Milton located, and what is its track?
As of 5 p.m. ET Monday:
Milton was located about 80 miles west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico.
It was about 675 miles southwest of Tampa.
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 180 mph.
The storm was moving east-southeast at ten mph.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Hurricane Administration warned Monday morning of "an increased risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning Tuesday night or early Wednesday."
"Residents in that area should follow any advice provided by local officials and evacuate if instructed," the hurricane center said.
Parts of the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys can expect 5 to 10 inches of rain, with local totals reaching 15 inches through Wednesday night. Such rainfall brings "a risk of flash and major flooding in urban and adjacent areas, along with the potential for moderate to major river flooding," forecasters said.
Meanwhile, parts of the northern Yucatan Peninsula can expect 2 to 4 inches of rain.
Warnings and Evacuations
As of 5 p.m. EST Monday, a Hurricane Warning is in effect for:
Celeston to Rio Lagartos, Mexico
West Coast of Florida, from Bonita Beach to the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay
A "Hurricane Warning" means hurricane conditions are expected within the area. Precautions and preparations should be taken for people and property.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:
West Coast of Florida, from Chokoloskee to south of Bonita Beach
East Coast of Florida, from the St. Lucie/Indian River County line north to the St. Marys River
Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catuche
Campeche to south of Celeston
Dry Tortugas
Lake Okeechobee
A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are possible in the area and is usually issued 48 hours before a hurricane is expected to land.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
Rio Lagartos to Cancun
All of the Florida Keys
Florida Gulf Coast, from Flamingo to southern Chokoloskee
Florida Gulf Coast, from Suwannee River to Indian Pass
A "Tropical Storm Warning" means tropical storm conditions are expected during the next 36 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
East Coast of the Florida Peninsula, south of the St. Lucie County/Indian River line south of Flamingo
Coast of Georgia and South Carolina, north of the St. Marys River to the southern Santee River in South Carolina
A "Tropical Storm Warning" means that tropical storm conditions are possible in the area during the next 48 hours.
A Severe Storm Warning is in effect for:
Florida West Coast, from Flamingo to the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay and Port Charlotte
A "Severe Storm Warning" means a risk of life-threatening flooding during the next 36 hours.
From Sebastian Inlet, Florida, to Edisto Beach, South Carolina, including the St. Johns River
As of Monday morning, the Department of Emergency Management has ordered.
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