Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm late Monday morning, with maximum sustained winds exceeding 160 mph.
The hurricane, currently tracking through the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to hit Florida’s west coast by midweek. The National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening storm surges, heavy rainfall, and widespread flooding, with up to 15 inches of rain in some areas.
Milton’s rapid escalation has triggered evacuation orders across several counties, including Charlotte, Hillsborough, and Sarasota. Federal assistance has been mobilized under an emergency declaration by President Biden.

