Hurricane Milton Live Updates: Hurricane Milton makes landfall, winds, heavy rain batter Florida

Hurricane Milton slammed into the coast near Siesta Key, Florida, on Wednesday, classified as a powerful Category 3 storm, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

The hurricane's center was positioned approximately 115 miles (185 km) to the southwest of Orlando, Florida, with its maximum sustained winds reaching a formidable 120 mph (205 kph), as reported by the forecasting center based in Miami.

Hurricane Milton, a rapidly growing storm, was on the brink of striking Florida's west coast on Wednesday, triggering tornadoes and drenching the area with heavy rainfall. The hurricane posed a significant threat to the Tampa Bay region, where it had the potential to bring a deadly surge of seawater.

As many as two million people were instructed to evacuate in a state already reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene just two weeks prior. Millions more reside in the anticipated path of the storm.

On Wednesday, as landfall approached, expected to occur in the evening, officials issued increasingly urgent warnings. President Joe Biden implored residents to adhere to local safety guidelines, emphasizing, "It's literally a matter of life and death."

The National Hurricane Center cautioned that the majority of hurricane-related deaths occur when trees topple onto individuals in the street, in their vehicles, or within their homes. Other fatalities result from post-storm incidents such as house fires caused by candles, igniting leaked gas with flashlights, and carbon monoxide poisoning from generators. NHC Director Michael Brennan noted in a video briefing that people also succumb to heart attacks and other medical issues following storms, as well as accidents while using chainsaws to clear fallen trees.

The storm, fueled by unusually warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, was poised to strike the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, home to over 3 million people, as a major hurricane with a vast footprint.
At 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT), the northern eyewall of the storm began to move onshore, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The center of the storm was anticipated to traverse the central part of the Florida peninsula overnight and emerge off the state's east coast on Thursday. By 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT), tropical force winds were expected to engulf most of the state.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden cautioned that Hurricane Milton possessed immense destructive power and implored individuals to seek secure refuge while denouncing false information about the storm as contrary to American values.

Biden stated, "It's harmful to those that need help," referring to the spread of misinformation regarding the storm and the government's response.
In the lead-up to the November 5th election, Republican former President Donald Trump, who is challenging Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, has attempted to characterize the Biden-Harris administration's handling of recent storms as inadequate. This includes making unsubstantiated claims that aid and funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been redirected to migrants.

According to CNN, Harris addressed Trump's dissemination of misinformation in an interview, stating, "It is dangerous – it is unconscionable, frankly, that anyone who would consider themselves a leader would mislead desperate people to the point that those desperate people would not receive the aid to which they are entitled, and that's why I call it dangerous."
When questioned about Trump's motives for spreading misinformation, Biden expressed uncertainty, saying, "I simply don't know. You can speculate, but I just find it - I've used the phrase more than I've ever used it in my career - it's un-American. It's un-American. It's not who the hell we are."

Hurricane Milton unleashed torrential rain, tornadoes, and tropical storm-force winds along the US coast on Wednesday, leaving little time for Florida residents to evacuate from the storm's potentially devastating path. The center of Milton made landfall Wednesday night, according to the National Hurricane Center, placing the entire Tampa Bay area and regions to the south at severe risk. By Wednesday afternoon, tropical storm-force winds had begun battering the coast.

Prior to the storm's arrival, officials issued urgent warnings for residents to evacuate or face dire chances of survival. Cathie Perkins, emergency management director in Pinellas County, which is located on the peninsula that forms Tampa Bay, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "This is it, folks. Those of you who were punched during Hurricane Helene, this is going to be a knockout. You need to get out, and you need to get out now."

As the afternoon progressed, some officials declared that the window for evacuation had closed. By evening, several counties announced the suspension of emergency services. Paul Womble, Polk County Emergency Management Director, advised residents in a public update, "Unless you really have a good reason to leave at this point, we suggest you just hunker down."

Milton, a Category 3 hurricane as of Wednesday evening, had exhibited fluctuations in intensity while approaching Florida. The storm was predicted to maintain hurricane strength after making landfall and traversing the state, including the densely populated Orlando area, throughout Thursday. Tampa Bay, situated near the top of an extensive stretch of coastline potentially in the direct path of the storm, has not experienced a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century.

Hurricane Milton has emerged as an exceptionally powerful and threatening storm, defying experts' worst fears with its remarkable strength and unusual path. The hurricane underwent a rapid intensification process, fueled by warm water, which saw it transform from a minimal hurricane to a formidable Category 5 storm in a matter of hours. Despite a brief period of weakening, Milton quickly regained its strength, with winds reaching an astonishing 180 mph and a barometric pressure that ranks among the lowest ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico this late in the year.

According to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach, "Everything that you would want if you're looking for a storm to go absolutely berserk is what Milton had." The storm's eastward path through the Gulf is a rare occurrence, with the most recent comparable storm dating back to 1848. The Tampa metropolitan area, which is the most populous in Milton's general path, hasn't experienced a direct hit from a major storm in over a century, making this week a worst-case scenario for many experts. University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy noted that the track "is not unprecedented but it's quite rare," adding that "of those that did that track, this is by far the most intense."

Princeton University climate scientist and hurricane expert Gabriel Vecchi emphasized the unusual nature of Milton, stating, "This storm is probably going to be very unlike any storm anyone has experienced on the west coast of Florida." The United States has been on a particularly unlucky streak, with Milton potentially becoming the second Category 4 storm to make landfall in the country within a year. This follows a period of seven Category 4 or stronger storms hitting the continental U.S. in eight years, which is more than triple the average annual rate of such monster landfalls since 1950, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. University of Albany atmospheric scientist and hurricane expert Kristen Corbosiero suggests that the increased threat posed by storms like Milton, compared to the previous 12-year quiet period, is likely a combination of luck and climate change influencing the paths of these powerful storms. (AP)

More than 50,000 power line workers from as far away as California are now in the state and gearing up to help restore electricity, Florida governor Ron DeSantis said.

“If you are in the path of this storm, you are most likely going to lose power,” DeSantis said at a Wednesday afternoon briefing in Lake City. “All these folks are going to be brought to bear to get the power back on as soon as possible.”

President Joe Biden, in a statement from the White House, criticised the spread of false information and untruths regarding Hurricane Milton. He specifically called out Donald Trump and others for their "reckless and irresponsible" behavior in propagating these falsehoods.

The President also assured the public that his administration would continue to exert pressure on businesses to ensure that essential goods and services, such as gasoline and flights, remain accessible to people without subjecting them to inflated prices.

The Southwest Florida International Airport, located in Fort Myers, has announced its closure due to the current circumstances. The airport's official website has released a statement confirming that the facility will not be operational on Thursday.

As per the information provided, the airport will remain shut down for the entire day. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for further updates and information regarding their flights.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the deployment of a substantial number of National Guard personnel to aid in search and rescue efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian. The mobilization consists of 6,000 members from the Florida National Guard and an additional 3,000 from other states across the country.

"This is the largest Florida National Guard search and rescue mobilization in the entire history of the state of Florida," he said during a Wednesday morning (local time) briefing.

The governor also provided an update on the shelter situation, stating that currently, 31,000 individuals are housed in shelters throughout the state. He added that there is still ample capacity, with room for nearly 200,000 people. "So there is space available in these shelters," he assured.

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has announced that certain gas stations in the state have depleted their fuel reserves. However, during a briefing on Wednesday morning, he reassured the public that measures are being taken to address the situation.

DeSantis said, "And they are continuing with the fuel escorts as we speak." He explained that the state's highway patrol vehicles, with their sirens activated, are currently accompanying gasoline tanker trucks. This measure is aimed at facilitating the trucks' passage through traffic, enabling them to reach their destinations and replenish the fuel supply at the affected gas stations.

“Individuals that are in these, say you’re in a single-story home … 2 feet is above that house,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said in an address to residents on Tuesday night, according to the New York Post. “So, if you’re in it, you know, basically that’s the coffin you’re in."

In the region of Port Charlotte, situated approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) to the southeast of Tampa, authorities announced that water pressure would be reduced starting Wednesday morning.

Furthermore, Charlotte County's utility services will be halted at midday. The county's webpage stated that the sewer system will be overwhelmed by the combination of heavy rainfall and storm surge, causing difficulties for wastewater to properly drain.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has announced that Hurricane Milton's intensity has decreased to a category four storm. However, the agency cautioned that Milton will remain "extremely dangerous" when it makes landfall in Florida.

According to the NHC, the hurricane currently has wind speeds of 155mph (250km/h), which is only 2mph below the threshold for a category five storm.

"On the forecast track, the center of Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today, make landfall along the west-central coast of Florida late tonight or early Thursday morning, and move off the east coast of Florida over the western Atlantic Ocean Thursday afternoon," the NHC stated in their report.

“This is it, folks,” Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins said at a Wednesday morning news conference. “Those of you who were punched during Hurricane Helene, this is going to be a knockout. You need to get out and you need to get out now.”

Perkins announced that there are 13 public shelters available for individuals who have no alternative means to seek refuge from the impending storm. She also mentioned that the main bridges in the Tampa Bay area would start closing during the afternoon hours. Furthermore, Perkins cautioned against feeling relieved based on suggestions that Milton may make landfall south of Tampa.

“Everybody in Tampa Bay should assume we are going to be ground zero.,” she said.

The National Weather Service issued an advisory on Wednesday morning (local time), encompassing a wide expanse of Florida. The watch covers the Tampa region, the Florida Keys, and extends to include Miami-Dade County.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, energy companies took precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their infrastructure and personnel. Several companies initiated the process of suspending operations at their pipelines and fuel-delivery terminals in the Tampa area.

Kinder Morgan announced the closure of its Central Florida Pipeline system, which consists of two small lines responsible for transporting gasoline, diesel, and other fuels from Tampa to Orlando. Additionally, the company shut down all of its bulk-fuel delivery terminals located in the Tampa region. "While the Tampa terminal is shut down, our Orlando truck racks are expected to remain operational until winds exceed 35 miles per hour," Kinder Morgan stated.

Citgo, a refining company, also confirmed via email that it had closed its Tampa terminal in preparation for the impending hurricane. Similarly, Buckeye announced the suspension of operations at its terminal facilities in Tampa.

"Winds Will Begin to Increase Along the West Coast of Florida By This Afternoon (local time). Preparations, including evacuation if told to do so, should be rushed to completion this morning,: said the NHC.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, some of the places where mandatory evacuation orders in place are:

Charlotte County; Citrus County; Collier County; Hillsborough County; Hernando County; Lee County; Levy County; Manatee County; Pasco County; Pinellas County; Sarasota County; St. John’s County and Volusia County;

There are voluntary evacuation orders in place for:

Glades County; Okeechobee County; Dixie County; Hardee County; Miami-Dade County and Union County.

The US military announced on Wednesday that a planned meeting focused on Ukraine's defense, originally set to take place at Germany's Ramstein air base on October 12, has been delayed. The postponement comes after President Joe Biden was forced to cancel a state visit due to the impact of Hurricane Milton.

While no new date for the summit has been provided, the military stated, "Announcements about future Ukraine Defense Contact Group meetings will be forthcoming." The gathering at the US base in Germany was intended to discuss ongoing efforts to support Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Residents across Florida are worried about the remaining wreckage caused by Helene, as Hurricane Milton looms on the horizon, potentially bringing even more destruction. According to Kim Byer, assistant administrator of Public Works in Hillsborough County, debris from Helene remains mostly uncollected as cleanup crews continue their efforts. Despite ongoing work since Helene made landfall, they have struggled with limited resources and time to remove all the debris, as reported by NBC News.

Hurricane Milton remains a Category 5 storm with winds of 160 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's 5 am update. Currently about 300 miles southwest of Tampa, Milton is moving northeast at 14 mph. It’s forecasted to make landfall along Florida’s west-central coast late tonight or early Thursday as a Category 4, with sustained winds of 130 mph, as reported by CNN.

Outer bands have already begun impacting Florida, with worsening conditions expected throughout the day. Tornado warnings have been issued in South Florida, and more severe weather is anticipated across the state. The Georgia coast is now under a tropical storm warning.

Gerresheimer, a German medical packaging company, plans to gradually restart production at its Morganton, North Carolina plant in early November after flooding caused by Hurricane Helene halted operations. Cleaning crews are currently addressing the water damage, and the company expects to restore around 50% of the plant's production capacity by the end of November. The plant accounts for 10% of Gerresheimer's annual global vial capacity.

The halt worsens the company’s challenges, as its vial business had already been affected by pharmaceutical companies destocking after the pandemic. Gerresheimer had issued a profit warning in late September and lowered its outlook earlier in the year due to these issues. With Hurricane Milton approaching, the company remains uncertain about potential further impacts.

Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is expected to cause significant damage when it reaches the Gulf Coast of Florida either late Wednesday or early Thursday. The region is still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck less than two weeks prior. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for over a million residents in coastal areas.

According to analysts at RBC Capital, the global insurance industry could face losses of up to $60 billion due to Hurricane Milton. This figure is comparable to the losses incurred from Hurricane Ian, which affected Florida in 2022. Despite the substantial sum, the analysts believe that the insurance sector should be able to handle the impact of Milton's damage.

The potential $60 billion loss from Hurricane Milton is likely to lead to an increase in reinsurance prices for 2025. As a result, some insurance companies' shares may experience a boost in value. The RBC Capital analysts shared these insights on Wednesday, as the Gulf Coast of Florida braces for the impending arrival of the powerful hurricane.

The International Space Station (ISS) captured birds-eye view of Hurricane Milton as it re-intensifies into a Category 5 storm while moving across the southern Gulf of Mexico towards Florida.

NHC says Hurricane Milton 300 MI (485 km) shouthwest of Tampa Florida; maximum sustained winds 160 mph (260 km/h).

The Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million people, faces the possibility of widespread destruction after avoiding direct hits from major hurricanes for more than a century. The National Hurricane Center predicted Milton, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane during much of its approach, would likely weaken but remain a major hurricane when it makes landfall late Wednesday.

As Hurricane Milton approached Florida's western coast, residents faced the challenge of finding gasoline at local stations. Long queues and depleted pumps added to the anxiety of those preparing to either stay put or evacuate.

Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the situation, stating that Florida officials, including the Florida Highway Patrol, were collaborating with fuel companies to ensure a continuous supply of gasoline before Milton's anticipated landfall on Wednesday. "Troopers escorted 27 fuel trucks to stations Monday night," DeSantis said.

According to Patrick De Haan, a GasBuddy analyst, while "replenishments are happening," the percentage of Florida gas stations without fuel had risen from 3.5% on Monday to 16.5% by Tuesday afternoon. The Tampa-St Petersburg area was particularly affected, with more than 43% of stations reporting no gasoline as of late Tuesday morning, based on GasBuddy data.

In the Mexican state of Yucatan, officials reported limited damage caused by Milton as the storm passed close to the shore. Governor Joaquín Díaz stated that the coastal areas experienced the downing of power lines, light poles, and trees. Additionally, some small structures with thatched roofs were destroyed by the storm. Despite the damage, the governor did not report any casualties or injuries resulting from Milton's passage near the Yucatan coast.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been put in place for 11 counties in Florida, affecting approximately 5.9 million residents, based on data from the US census bureau. The authorities have made it clear that those who choose to remain in the affected areas will be on their own, as emergency responders will not jeopardize their lives by conducting rescue operations during the peak of the storm.

Despite the warnings, a number of motorists in Riverview, located south of Tampa, were observed waiting in an extended queue to fill up their vehicles with gasoline on Tuesday. When asked about their intentions, these individuals indicated that they had no plans to leave the area and comply with the evacuation orders.

Milton is set to impact areas that are still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck western Florida two weeks ago. The hurricane's path of destruction resulted in the deaths of at least 230 people across the southern region.

Punta Gorda, a town situated along the bay approximately 160 kilometers south of Tampa, continues to grapple with the aftermath of the storm. The streets remain littered with 1.5-meter tall heaps of waterlogged belongings, including furniture, clothing, books, and appliances, all pulled from homes that sustained significant damage.

Despite the widespread evacuation of homes, Scott Joiner, an accountant and art collector, chose to stay on the second floor of his New Orleans-style residence, which he constructed 17 years ago. Joiner recounted the presence of bull sharks swimming in the flooded streets during Hurricane Helene's onslaught, and shared the story of a neighbor who had to be rescued by canoe when the first floor of Joiner's home was inundated.

US President Joe Biden has begged Florida residents to flee Hurricane Milton, warning that the Category 5 storm could turn into the worst natural disaster to hit the state in a century.

As the second huge hurricane in as many weeks rumbled toward Florida's west coast, people raced to board up homes and flee.

"It's a matter of life and death, and that's not hyperbole," Biden said from the White House on Tuesday, urging those under orders to leave to "evacuate now, now, now."

As of Tuesday, Milton returned to the maximum Category 5 designation, generating maximum sustained winds of 165 mph (270 kph), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph, is poised to slam into Florida's Gulf Coast. While it has already become one of the most intense hurricanes in recent years, what makes it particularly remarkable is its rapid intensification and the factors fueling its strength.

As the Category 5 Hurricane Milton approached the Gulf Coast of Florida, residents had a single day remaining to either evacuate or prepare for what could be one of the most catastrophic storms to ever strike the region. The impending hurricane forced over a million individuals in coastal communities to flee under mandatory evacuation orders.

The mass exodus of people seeking safety on higher ground led to congested highways and fuel shortages at gas stations, compounding the anxiety in an area still reeling from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, which occurred less than two weeks prior. "The storm was on a collision course for the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, home to more than 3 million people, though forecasters said the path could vary before the storm makes landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning."

Meteorologists predicted that Hurricane Milton would directly impact the Tampa Bay area, which has a population exceeding 3 million. However, they cautioned that the storm's trajectory could still shift before it reaches land, either in the late hours of Wednesday or the early morning of Thursday.

Hurricane Milton churned Wednesday toward a potentially catastrophic collision along the west coast of Florida, where some residents insisted they would stay after millions were ordered to evacuate and officials warned that stragglers would face grim odds of surviving.

The Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million people, faced the possibility of widespread destruction after avoiding direct hits from major hurricanes for more than a century. The National Hurricane Center predicted Milton, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane during much of its approach, would likely weaken but remain a major hurricane when it makes landfall late Wednesday.

Milton was centered late Tuesday about 405 miles (650 kilometers) southwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 kmh), the National Hurricane Center reported.

Human-caused climate change boosted a devastating Hurricane Helene 's rainfall by about 10% and intensified its winds by about 11%, scientists said in a new flash study released just as a strengthening Hurricane Milton threatens the Florida coast less than two weeks later.

The warming climate boosted Helene's wind speeds by about 13 miles per hour (20.92 kilometers per hour), and made the high sea temperatures that fueled the storm 200 to 500 times more likely, World Weather Attribution calculated Wednesday from Europe. Ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above average, WWA said.

“Hurricane Helene and the storms that were happening in the region anyway have all been amplified by the fact that the air is warmer and can hold more moisture, which meant that the rainfall totals — which, even without climate change, would have been incredibly high given the circumstances — were even higher,” Ben Clarke, a study co-author and a climate researcher at Imperial College London, said in an interview.

Milton will likely be similarly juiced, the authors said.

Hurricane Milton, now a Category 5 storm, is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay region on Wednesday, with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph. People in Southwest Florida are ordered to evacuate due to the risk of storm surge. With rainfall predicted to reach 5-10 inches in Florida and 15 inches in others.

Fearful Florida residents streamed out of the Tampa Bay region Tuesday ahead of what could be a once-in-a-century direct hit from Hurricane Milton, as crews worked furiously to prevent furniture, appliances and other waterlogged wreckage from the last big storm from becoming deadly projectiles in this one.

Tuesday marked the last chance for millions of people in the Tampa metro area to prepare for lethal storm surges, ferocious winds and possible tornadoes in a place that has narrowly avoided a head-on blow from a major storm for generations.

“Today’s the last day to get ready,” said Craig Fugate, a former FEMA director who previously ran the state’s emergency operation division. “This is bringing everything.”

As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida's Gulf Coast, the storm has triggered mass evacuations, fuel shortages, and traffic jams across the state. The Category 5 hurricane, one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record, is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Milton is expected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida late Wednesday as a dangerous major hurricane, the US National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory.

The hurricane was located about 405 miles (650 km) southwest of Tampa Florida, packing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 kmh), the Miami-based forecaster said.

As a ferocious Hurricane Milton charges its way across the Gulf Coast with Tampa and St Petersburg in its sights, thousands flee the area for safer ground, leaving behind debris from Hurricane Helene's destruction less that two weeks ago.

While Milton's classification has fluctuated several times between a Category 4 and 5, the storm is expected to be “an extremely dangerous hurricane″ when it comes ashore on Wednesday. The amount of damage will depend on its storm surge, and the number of deaths may depend on how many heeded warnings to evacuate.

Meteorologist John Morales broke down live on air as he was describing the magnitude of Hurricane Milton on Monday. Looking at the satellite imagery of the hurricane's path, Morales choked up and then apologized to the viewers for being emotional: "I apologize -- this is just horrific."

Charlotte County on Tuesday evening extended its Hurricane Milton evacuation order further inland to what it refers to as “Zone C Yellow.”

The additional evacuation zone in the county southeast of Sarasota includes residents in any zone who live in mobile or manufactured homes. That's about 11% of the more than 202,600 people who live in the county, according to population estimates from the US Census Bureau.

Despite fluctuations in intensity, Milton is still forecast to land as a major hurricane

President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that he will be delaying his scheduled visit to Germany and Angola in order to remain at the White House and oversee the response to Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida's Gulf Coast.

“I just don’t think I can be out of the country at this time,” he said at the White House after senior members of the administration updated him on the storm and the government's preparations. Biden warned that Milton “could be one of the worst storms in 100 years to hit Florida,” and said he's working “to increase the size and presence” of the federal government's response.

He said people in the storm's path should heed local orders to evacuate and leave “now.”

“You should have already evacuated,” Biden said, seated with some of the officials who briefed him. “It’s a matter of life and death, and that’s not hyperbole. It's a matter of life and death."

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida's Gulf Coast, hospitals and health care facilities are preparing for its impact, even as they continue to recover from the recent Hurricane Helene. The storm is expected to be one of the most severe to strike the area in recent years, with landfall anticipated just south of Tampa late Wednesday. In counties under mandatory evacuation orders, long-term care facilities are relocating their patients to safer locations, while hospitals are largely remaining open and ready to weather the storm.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Florida governor Ron DeSantis' website reported that 10 hospitals had initiated evacuations. By Wednesday morning, the number of health care facilities that had evacuated reached 300, a figure that surpassed the recollection of most staff members, according to Kim Smoak, deputy secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. That count included 63 nursing homes and 169 assisted living facilities.

As of Tuesday evening, Hurricane Milton continued on its path toward Florida’s west coast, moving northeast across the Gulf of Mexico at approximately 10 mph (17 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At 8 p.m. EDT, the storm was located 440 miles (710 kilometers) southwest of Tampa, maintaining maximum sustained winds of 165 mph (270 kph) as a Category 5 hurricane.
“Fluctuations in intensity are likely as Milton traverses the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but it is expected to remain a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches west-central Florida Wednesday night,” the hurricane center reported. Storm surge and hurricane warnings are in effect for both Florida's west and east coasts.

Hospitals along Florida’s Gulf Coast, still recovering from Hurricane Helene, are now preparing for Hurricane Milton, expected to make landfall south of Tampa late Wednesday. Long-term care facilities in evacuation zones are relocating patients, while hospitals gear up to remain operational. Tampa General Hospital has stocked over five days' worth of supplies, including food and water, and has an energy plant with generators and boilers positioned above flood levels. The hospital's "aquafence," used successfully during Hurricane Helene, will again be deployed to guard against storm surges of up to 15 feet. First-floor operations have been suspended as a precaution.