Hurricane Milton update: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7

MILTON UPDATE | Hurricane Milton has "explosively" intensified as a Cat 5 storm, the NHC says. Meteorologist Mike Prangley has the latest forecast.

Within hours, Hurricane Milton "explosively intensified" from a Category 2 storm to a powerful, major Category 5 hurricane. While it's forecast to bring dangerous conditions to Florida and the Tampa Bay area, Milton is expected to weaken before reaching landfall sometime midweek.

Milton came on the scene on Saturday as a tropical storm. Early Monday morning, Milton kicked off a rapid intensification starting as a Category 2 storm. By noon, the storm had strengthened to a large Category 5 hurricane, the National Hurricane Center said.

Florida could see impacts beginning Tuesday evening into Wednesday.

[abundantYOUniverse]

I have really gained an appreciation of this man Mike Prangley, he really does care and his humanity is much appreciated. There is so much NOISE and misinformation out there, (look at the wacko comments) so we really appreciate this resource, thanks!

[Jo-EllenLauck]

I have been tracking this storm on every news channel and every video I can see on Hurricane Milton. Mike Prangley is the ONLY meteorologist that has calmed my nerves. Thank you for that Mike! I'm very worried, but trying to stay level headed and informed.

[MrDominicBrant]

Hello from the UK. What a great presentation. Take care everyone.

[GrouchoTM]

Andrew survivor here and this one scares me! In Miami and hope we dont get much!

[miabhlub]

Not good! Praying for Florida. Stay safe, everyone.

[loloca]

Prayers 🙏🏻 for Florida 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[rolandconnor]

Camille had 900 mb pressure with estimated 190 mph sustained AT LANDFALL! "estimated" because it broke all measuring devices

[caterpillar_.]

a cat 5 hurricane is so crazy. sending prayers to florida etc

[rhmbob]

The timing on the different graphics doesn’t match up at all.
The NOAA forecast has the eye east of Florida by Thursday morning.
But your radar update still has the eye of the storm west of Florida for Thursday at noon.

[dbs]

If it slows a little more, it becomes likely the wind shear he mentioned will move through before the storm arrives at the previously projected point of merge.
This has the potential to remain a CAT 2 across the state.

[melancholygirl]

Yes please stay safe! Don't try to ride it out! I rode out Wilma and it scared the 💩 out of me!

[patrafferty]

Why do you think this will slow down? Nothing but clear path and warm water under it is there an atmospheric disturbance we are not seeing?

[blazeron]

What does "Need to know, Travel not advised" mean for hillsborough? Should I not be evacuating? I am not in an evacuation zone

[jesserex]

Your date for this update in the title is wrong

[generoberts]

“Don’t expect this much intensity “. Says the guys who said we would get. Cat1

[rtqii]

Hurricane hunter reported wind gusts of almost 200 mph a few minutes ago. Steady winds of 155 mph.

[FractalSoul]

Why are weathermen in South Florida dressing up like magicians?

[maryslack]

Thank you for showing the winds cause I live in northern Pasco County not on the water but needed to know wind impacts. So I can decide what to do with my chickens that are in pens underneath trees. Now I know what I'm working with

[rccomics]

Whomever he is, he is the guy is telling you what you need to know without trying to scare you. We need him in Miami.

[newyork]

200 miles an hour wind. Are you kidding me?