Tropical Storm Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. The storm, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast by midweek. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings of significant rain, potentially deadly storm surge, and destructive winds. Florida, still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene, is bracing for Milton's arrival, which could bring up to 12 feet of storm surge in the Tampa Bay area. Milton was previously expected to be a major Category 4 hurricane before reaching Category 5 status. It was initially forecast to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane.
