Hurricane Milton Intensifies,Reaching Category 5 Status Threatening Florida’s West Coast Again
On Sunday, Hurricane Milton gained strength as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico, putting the Florida Peninsula at risk, especially areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene. With sustained winds reaching 85 mph and forecasted to intensify, the storm poses a serious threat to the region.
Hurricane Milton has now intensified into a powerful Category 5 storm, with sustained winds of 160 mph as it surges across the Gulf. The National Hurricane Center warned that while the storm could undergo eyewall replacement cycles and slightly weaken, it will still be capable of causing significant destruction along Florida’s western coast.
Milton Expected to Become a Major Hurricane
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Milton is a major hurricane with winds reaching Category 5 status. The storm has rapidly intensified, strengthening from Category 2 to 5 in just a few hours. This means sustained winds of 111 to 129 mph, capable of causing devastating damage. Milton is forecasted to approach Florida’s west coast by Wednesday.
Hurricane Milton is expected to bring 5 to 10 inches of rain to parts of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys, with localized totals reaching up to 15 inches. This heavy rainfall increases the risk of river flooding across the region, adding to the potential hazards from the storm.
Governor DeSantis Expands State of Emergency
Governor Ron DeSantis expanded Florida’s state of emergency to include 16 additional counties, bringing the total to 51 counties under the directive. “A major hurricane is the most likely outcome,” DeSantis said, urging residents to prepare for potential impacts
