Milton has exploded in strength in the Gulf of Mexico and is now a Category 3 major hurricane packing sustained winds of 120 mph with higher gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center. The hurricane is forecast to reach at least Category 4 strength early this week as it tracks east across the Gulf toward Florida.

Hurricane Milton strengthened to a Category 5 storm on Monday as it takes aim at Florida's west coast. Landfall is expected as a Category 3 hurricane Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Milton is closing in as Floridians are still recovering from the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene.