The storm grew into a major Category 3 hurricane within less than two days after it developed in the Gulf of Mexico. Milton comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene inundated the Tampa Bay region with storm surge, causing devastating flooding to coastal areas.

TAMPA, Fla. ( WFLA) — Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a hurricane on Sunday, and a major hurricane by midweek, according to the National Hurricane Center. In an 11 a.m. update, the NHC said their NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft “finds a stronger Milton.” It has current maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and is moving east at 5 mph.