Hurricane Milton has just now Rapidly Intensified Into A Category 5 Hurricane as it approaches Florida, largest evacuation orders since 2017 in place

Milton rapidly intensified in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, reaching Category 5 status as it approached Florida, threatening a dangerous storm surge in Tampa Bay. This led to evacuation orders and heightened urgency for the ongoing cleanup from Hurricane Helene, which devastated the same coastline less than two weeks ago.

A hurricane warning was issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, while much of Florida’s west coast was placed under hurricane and storm surge watches. Lake Okeechobee, known for flooding during major storms, was also under a hurricane watch.

"This is the real deal with Milton," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said at a press conference. "If you challenge Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time."

Milton quickly strengthened on Monday and is expected to become a large hurricane over the eastern Gulf. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm's maximum sustained winds had reached 257 km/h. As of midday Monday, the storm's center was located about 210 kilometers west-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, and roughly 1,160 kilometers southwest of Tampa, moving east-southeast at 15 km/h.

Milton's center is projected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday, potentially maintaining hurricane strength as it crosses central Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean. This path would largely spare states that were severely impacted by Helene, which claimed at least 230 lives as it traveled from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains.

Forecasters warned that Tampa Bay could see a storm surge of 2.4 to 3.6 meters, with rainfall between 13 to 25 centimeters expected in mainland Florida and the Keys, and isolated areas receiving up to 38 centimeters. Flash and river flooding are major concerns.

The Tampa Bay region is still recovering from the damage caused by Helene's powerful storm surge, which claimed 12 lives and caused extensive damage, particularly along a 32-kilometer stretch of barrier islands from St. Petersburg to Clearwater.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stressed the importance of clearing debris left by Helene before Milton's arrival, to prevent it from becoming dangerous projectiles. He noted that 300 vehicles collected debris on Sunday but were blocked from dropping it off at a landfill due to a locked gate, which state troopers forcibly opened.

"We don’t have time for bureaucracy and red tape," DeSantis said. "We have to get the job done."

In 2017, seven million Floridians were urged to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma, creating gridlock, fuel shortages, and frustration. Learning from that experience, Florida is now staging emergency fuel for gas vehicles and charging stations for electric vehicles along evacuation routes, according to Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

"We are preparing for what could be the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017," Guthrie said.

As of Monday morning, Milton’s center was about 240 kilometers west of Progreso, Mexico, and 1,185 kilometers southwest of Tampa, moving east-southeast at 13 km/h, according to the hurricane center.

On Sunday, DeSantis expanded the state of emergency to include 51 counties and urged Floridians to prepare for potential power outages and disruptions. He advised residents to stock up on a week’s worth of food and water and be ready to evacuate if necessary.