TNW News Operations Center Hurricane Division Bolton, Saturday, October 5, 2024 Operations General Manager, Chief of the Hurricane Operations Division: Todd Nardone 11:36 PM CDT

#BREAKING: Tropical Storm Milton has quickly strengthened and is now expected to impact the west coast of Florida between Tuesday and Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has released the first cone of uncertainty, forecasting that Milton could make landfall as a high-end Category 2 hurricane or possibly a Category 3.

Key Messages - Advisory 2: 4:00 PM CDT, Saturday, October 5, 2024

1. Intensification Likely: Milton is forecast to intensify rapidly while moving eastward and northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico. It may be near major hurricane strength (Category 3) by the time it reaches Florida’s west coast mid-week. Warmer-than-average waters in the Gulf for this time of year are contributing to the system's rapid strengthening.