Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting Florida officials to prepare for the state’s largest hurricane evacuation since 2017. With the storm’s track aimed at Florida’s Gulf Coast—between Tampa and Naples—forecasters are warning of potentially life-threatening storm surges, destructive winds, and widespread torrential rainfall.
As of Sunday evening, the National Hurricane Center reported that Milton could strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane or higher, though some weakening is possible before it makes landfall. Forecasters also warned that even if the storm weakens, its size could still lead to dangerous impacts over a wide area. Confidence is growing that a powerful hurricane will hit Florida’s west coast around the middle of the week.
Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to take the threat seriously. “Do not try to game the forecast,” he cautioned during a Sunday night briefing, advising Floridians to be cautious in interpreting the data. The governor expanded a state of emergency to include 51 counties, covering much of the state except for parts of the western Panhandle.
Milton is expected to make landfall late Tuesday or early Wednesday, but its effects could be felt sooner as the storm’s wind field grows over the warm