ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm on a path toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Milton moved into a region in the Gulf primed for rapid development.
As of 10 p.m., Milton is a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 165 mph — down from 180 mph earlier in the day — as its intensification hits a pause. A hurricane is considered a major hurricane when it reaches Category 3 status.
[RELATED: TIMING: What to expect in Central Fla. | Sandbag locations | School, university closures | Tropical terms to know | Watches vs. warnings | Download the FREE News 6 hurricane app]
The storm is moving east at 9 mph and is expected to continue into the Tampa Bay area.
Forecast cones continue to encompass all of Central Florida. This means the center of Milton can track as far north as Gainesville to as south as West Palm Beach.
Models show a combination of wind shear and some drier air impacting Milton before landfall, which will aid in weakening the storm slightly.
Regardless of the track, Central Floridians need to be prepared for hurricane conditions by Wednesday through Thursday.
Make sure you are taking the threat seriously by getting your hurricane preps completed by Tuesday.
A hurricane warning has been issued for parts of Central Florida. Click here for updates on watches and warnings.
Central Florida counties have opened sandbag locations through the beginning of this week to prep for the storm. Click here to see the full list.
School districts and universities in the area have also announced school closures ahead of Milton. Click here to see responses and updates.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties ahead of Milton’s anticipated Gulf Coast landfall.
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