Milton has strengthened to a major Category 3 Hurricane and is en route to Florida. Maximum sustained winds are 120 mph as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico bound for the west coast of Florida. Further strengthening is expected, and Milton is forecast to become an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane later today and maintain that intensity for the next couple of days.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in over 50 counties and FEMA is sending supplies and equipment into the state.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Celestun to Rio Lagartos
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche
* Campeche to south of Celestun
* Florida Gulf coast from Chokoloskee to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay
* Dry Tortugas
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for...
* Florida Gulf coast from Flamingo northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Rio Lagartos to Cancun
* Campeche to south of Celestun
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Florida Gulf coast from Flamingo to south of Chokoloskee
* Florida Gulf coast north of the mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass
* Lower, Middle, and Upper Florida Keys, including Florida Bay