Milton Rapidly Strengthens to Category 5, Slight Weakening Expected Before Florida Landfall
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds reaching 180 mph. This sudden escalation, from a Category 1 to Category 5 within hours, marks Milton as one of the strongest hurricanes recorded in the Gulf of Mexico.
While the storm is expected to weaken slightly, it will still pose a significant threat as it approaches Florida's Gulf Coast. Landfall is anticipated late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, likely as a Category 3 storm. The area between north of Tampa and south of Sarasota is in the storm's projected path.
Florida is bracing for its second major hurricane in under two weeks. In preparation, the state has launched its largest evacuation effort since 2017. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 51 out of 67 counties and urged residents to heed evacuation orders.
Milton’s approach comes with the potential for dangerous storm surges, heavy rainfall, and widespread power outages. Residents are being advised to stay informed and prepare for the impact ahead of the storm's landfall.
Read next
20:52
Trump's Presidency
President Trump confirmed he is serious about a potential third term, despite constitutional limits, saying it is “far too early” to decide. While U.S. presidents are restricted to two terms, Trump allies are exploring ways to challenge this rule ahead of the 2028 election.
03:00
Moscow and Washington have initiated discussions on potential joint projects involving rare earth metals and other critical resources in Russia, according to Russia's special envoy on international economic and investment cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev.
07:18
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized Japan’s critical role in deterring Chinese aggression during a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo on Sunday
17:00
Lithuanian and U.S. rescuers are working to recover a military vehicle submerged in a peat bog, where four U.S. soldiers have been missing for two days during a training exercise near the Belarus border.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment