Milton Expected to Become a Major Hurricane, DeSantis Declares State of Emergency

If Milton makes landfall in the Tampa Bay area, it will be the first named storm to do so in more than 100 years.

The National Hurricane Center’s forecasted track of Tropical Storm Milton as of 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 5, 2024. National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center

TAMPA—Tropical Storm Milton is now expected to become a major hurricane before it makes landfall on Florida’s west coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of 5 p.m. ET on Oct 5, Milton is expected to bring “life-threatening impacts” to Florida’s Gulf Coast, achieving maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane.