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 Gulf waters. The storm’s forecast cone, covering almost the entire west coast of Florida, marks it as a rare and dangerous threat. Governor DeSantis remarked on the storm’s unusual trajectory, coming from the Pacific, crossing Mexico, and then moving horizontally across the Gulf.
While the exact location of landfall remains uncertain, DeSantis emphasized that major impacts are expected across Florida. State emergency management officials are preparing for the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which devastated the entire Florida peninsula. Kevin Guthrie, the state’s Director of Emergency Management, advised residents to monitor evacuation routes and use resources like the fl511.com website for updates.
Tampa Bay appears to be particularly at risk, with early forecasts showing the storm could hit directly over the bay as a major hurricane. However, shifts in the storm’s track could bring the landfall closer to Sarasota or other nearby regions. DeSantis warned residents not to get too attached to any specific forecast model, as the storm’s path could still shift.
Preparations for power outages and other disruptions are already underway, with crews ready to mobilize for restoration efforts. The storm could cause greater damage than Hurricane Helene, which recently impacted the state.
Meteorologists are issuing strong warnings about the storm’s potential for a catastrophic storm surge. Fox Weather hurricane specialist Brian Norcross compared the expected surge to that of Hurricane Helene but said Milton could be even more dangerous. AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter echoed the concern, urging residents to prepare for life-threatening conditions.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Milton was showing signs of rapid intensification, with an eyewall beginning to form. While the storm’s exact strength at landfall remains uncertain, the potential range spans from Category 1 to Category 5, making it difficult to predict with precision.
Rainfall could total 5 to 8 inches across the Florida peninsula, with localized areas receiving up to 12 inches. A flood watch is already in effect for South Florida through Thursday morning. DeSantis has asked state agencies to coordinate resources to assist local communities in preparing for Milton, particularly in areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
As of Sunday evening, Hurricane Milton was located about 805 miles west-southwest of Tampa, moving east at 7 mph with sustained winds of 85 mph.
Meanwhile, two other hurricanes—Leslie and Kirk—are churning far out in the Atlantic. Hurricane Leslie formed on Saturday and is moving northwest, away from the Caribbean. Hurricane Kirk has been downgraded to a Category 1 and is moving toward Europe. Neither storm poses a threat to land at this time.
