Storm surge and hurricane watches have been issued in parts of Florida as Hurricane Milton continues to grow stronger in the Gulf of Mexico.
Milton's winds raced from category 1 strength to category 5 in a matter of hours Monday morning.
Shortly before 11am, the National Hurricane Center said Milton's maximum sustained winds increased to 160 miles per hour, with higher gusts.
The storm, currently about 720 miles from Tampa, is expected to move near the Yucatan Peninsula today before changing direction and approaching the west coast of Florida by Wednesday.
Some weakening of Milton is expected as it approaches landfall in Florida due to increasing wind shear and dry air.
"However, the system is still likely to be a large and powerful hurricane at landfall in Florida, with life-threatening hazards at the coastline and well inland," noted NHC Senior Hurricane Special Eric Blake.
The National Weather Service office in Slidell says no direct land impacts are expected for southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi from Milton, though there could be some high waves and winds over marine areas. Also, minor coastal flooding is possible for east-facing shorelines.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30.