Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm in the southern Gulf of Mexico, skirting the northern Yucatan peninsula and heading toward Florida. With maximum sustained winds of 175 mph, the storm is expected to bring life-threatening conditions, including a significant storm surge, to Florida’s Gulf Coast this week.

Yucatan Braces for Impact

As Hurricane Milton moves eastward at 9 mph, the Mexican city of Merida and nearby ports are preparing for up to 6 feet of storm surge, dangerous winds, and torrential rain. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Milton is currently 105 miles west of Progreso and is expected to turn northeast by late Tuesday.

Florida Prepares for Landfall

Floridians, particularly in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, are rushing to prepare as the hurricane is expected to make landfall by Wednesday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, urging residents to take all necessary precautions. “This has the potential to cause significant damage,” DeSantis warned.

Federal Emergency Declared

President Joe Biden also declared a federal emergency for Florida, enabling disaster relief operations to be initiated in advance of the storm’s arrival. This marks the second time in two weeks that Florida’s Gulf Coast has been under threat from a major hurricane.

A Devastating Hurricane Season

Hurricane Milton is the second Category 5 storm this season, following Beryl in July. With a supercharged Atlantic hurricane season, forecasters are increasingly concerned about the potential devastation from future storms. The U.S. Southeast is still recovering from the deadly impacts of Hurricane Helene, which claimed over 200 lives across six states.

Potential Damage and Timeline

Milton is forecast to bring blistering winds, storm surges, and torrential rain to Florida starting midweek. The storm is expected to move quickly across the state, reaching the Atlantic by Thursday.