See projected path, spaghetti models

Hurricane Milton strengthened into a Category 3 storm early Monday, as the storm is expected to threaten areas of the Florida Peninsula still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

As of Monday morning, Milton was about 750 miles west-southwest of Tampa with estimated maximum sustained winds of about 120 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center predicted Milton would further strengthen into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane on Monday.

The hurricane center said an east-to-east-southeast movement is expected by Monday night, followed by a turn east-northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Milton is expected to move near or just north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Monday and Tuesday, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday, the NHC said.

On Sunday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded the state of emergency to 16 more counties, meaning 51 of Florida's 67 counties are now part of the directive.

“A major hurricane is the most likely outcome,” DeSantis said. “This is not a good path for the state of Florida.”

Live Weather Updates: Milton will become a major hurricane heading toward Florida on Monday

Hurricane Milton tracker

Hurricane Milton Spaghetti Models

The figures cover a range of forecasting tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center only uses the four or five best-performing models in its forecasts.

Hurricane Milton triggers watches and warnings for Mexico and parts of Florida

Milton has issued various warnings and watches in Mexico and Florida starting Monday morning.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Florida's Gulf Coast from Chokoloskee north to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay and Dry Tortugas.

A storm surge warning has been issued for Florida's Gulf Coast from Flamingo north to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Gulf Coast of Florida west of the Suwannee River to Indian Pass and south of Chokoloskee to Flamingo. In addition, a tropical storm warning has also been issued for the lower, middle and upper Florida Keys, including Florida Bay.

Gabe Hauari is a nationally featured news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].

Hurricane Milton tracker

Hurricane Milton Spaghetti Models

Hurricane Milton triggers watches and warnings for Mexico and parts of Florida

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