Above: Watch NBC2's continuous live coverage of Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton is currently barreling through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida's coast, as it is expected to make landfall soon before moving across the state.
Milton rapidly intensified into a major Category 5 hurricane in the southwestern Gulf Monday morning, with winds topping 180 mph and a near-record low central pressure. The storm strengthened from a category 1 into a major category 5 hurricane in less than 12 hours.
As of the 2 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), winds are sustained at 155 mph as Milton likely undergoes an eyewall replacement cycle, weakening the storm to a Category 4. Milton is moving to the east at 9 mph. The storm's latest pressure reading is at 924 mb.
The storm is about 585 miles southwest of Tampa.
Milton is continuing to to move barrel the Gulf and is forecast to approach Florida on Wednesday. As the massive hurricane closes in on Florida's coast, follow along below for live updates.
Recommended
Tuesday
> 2 a.m.:
Milton watches and warnings
A storm surge warning has been issued for coastal Southwest Florida. For coastal Lee and Charlotte counties, 5-10 feet of storm surge is possible. For coastal Collier County, 4-7 feet of storm surge is possible.
A hurricane warning has been issued for portions of the west coast of Florida including Charlotte, DeSoto, and Lee Counties.
A hurricane watch is still in effect for Collier, Glades, and Hendry Counties.
NBC2 First Alert Forecast
> Radar
Follow the NBC2 weather team on social media
- Chief Meteorologist Allyson Rae on Facebook and X
- Meteorologist Jason Dunning on Facebook and X
- Meteorologist Rob Duns on Facebook and X
- Meteorologist Lauren Hope on Facebook and X
Meteorologist Jesslyn Ferentz on Facebook and X
DOWNLOAD the free NBC2 News app for your latest news and weather alerts.