The hurricane center said an eastward to east-southeastward motion is expected through Monday night, followed by a turn toward the east and northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Milton is forecast to move near or just north of the Yucatan Peninsula 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 a 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 track for the state of Florida."
Hurricane Milton tracker
Hurricane Milton spaghetti models
Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.
Hurricane Milton triggers watches, warnings for Mexico and parts of Florida
Milton has triggered various warnings and watches in Mexico and Florida as of Monday morning.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Gulf coast of Florida from Chokoloskee northward to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay and the Dry Tortugas.
A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast from Flamingo northward to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida Gulf Coast west of the Suwannee River to Indian Pass, and south of Chokoloskee to Flamingo. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued for the Lower, Middle and Upper Florida Keys, including Florida Bay.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
i am glad I am in Texas, but super sad that some people can't even get out of there
Marion Gawron
3m ago
This is getting out of hand. I have two relatives to worry about up there and can’t do a damn thing. Just pray pray everything’s OK with everybody and leave if they tell you.
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