The latest with Hurricane Milton as it takes aim at Florida's Gulf Coast #milton #weather #liveonk2

Hurricane Miltonunderwent rapid intensification over the weekend becoming a Category 5 storm with the potential to be the first major hurricane to hit Tampa in more than 100 years.

"If the storm stays on the current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years," according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tampa.

In 1921, the Tarpon Springs Hurricane hit Florida as a Category 3 storm on Oct. 25 with sustained winds around 115 mph.

"A storm surge up to 11 feet damaged and destroyed a significant amount of the structures along coastal locations from Pasco county south through southwest Florida," the NWS described.

Forecasters warned of a possible 8- to 12-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay and said flash and river flooding could result from 5 to 10 inches of rain in mainland Florida and the Keys, with as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) in places.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday that while it remains to be seen where Milton will strike, it’s clear the state is going to be hit hard.

DeSantis expanded his state of emergency declaration Sunday to 51 counties and urged residents to prepare for potential power outages, restock hurricane kits, fill their gas tanks, stay alert for emergency alerts, know their evacuation zones, and ensure they have enough food and water for seven days.

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