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Milton rapidly strengthens into a Category 5 hurricane, heading towards Florida
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Hurricane Milton is located in the southern Gulf of Mexico and has rapidly organized and strengthen over the last 48 hours. Milton is now a major hurricane at Category 5 strength with 160 mph winds. No impacts are expected in Acadiana as Milton tracks to Florida.
The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center shows Milton as a major hurricane making landfall near Tampa Bay late Wednesday.
Milton has the opportunity to intensify further with a jet streak to its north, allowing for ventilation aloft and a favorable upper-level wind profile. It will also move over a warm area of water and higher tropical cyclone heat potential.
Unfortunately, a major hurricane is expected at landfall at this point, with a category three or four possible. The hurricane may reach peak intensity on Tuesday, followed by some weakening on Wednesday but nothing significant enough to make a difference.