ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen Monday and is expected to rapidly intensify before striking the Florida Gulf Coast later this week.
As of the 5 a.m. update, Milton is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph. It is expected to rapidly intensify and become a major hurricane later Monday. A hurricane is considered a major hurricane when it reaches Category 3 status.
The latest update shows Milton making landfall as a major hurricane Wednesday night.
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The storm is moving east-southeast at 8 mph and is about 750 mph away from Tampa.
A hurricane watch has been issued for Sumter and Polk counties. More watches/warnings will be issued in Central Florida as the storm approaches the Gulf Coast.
The worst of the weather will arrive Wednesday in Central Florida.
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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