Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified and is now a category 5 hurricane as it nears the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico. It is forecast to make landfall along the west coast of Florida on Wednesday. The rapid intensification is due to the extremely warm waters and low wind shear over the Gulf of Mexico. This type of intensification is rare and only seen in a few past storms like Wilma (2005) and Felix (2007).   Milton will continue to strengthen as it tracks northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula Tuesday. It will remain a powerful hurricane as it tracks toward the central west coast of Florida Wednesday. However, drier air and higher shear will help lead to some weakening, as it disrupts the structure of storm in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. However, it will likely remain a dangerous major hurricane when it makes landfall midweek. Hurricane and tropcial storm watches are in effect for along the Gulf coast of Florida. Life threatening storm surge, heavy rain leading to flash flooding and damaging gusts will all be significant hazards for Florida. Current Watches and Warnings Hurricane Warning: Northern Yucatan Peninsula Hurricane Watch: Florida Gulf Coast from Chokoloskee to Suwannee River and Dry Tortugas Storm Surge Watch: Florida Gulf Coast from Flamingo to Suwannee River Tropical Storm Warning: South of Celestun to Campeche, Mexico Tropical Storm Watch: Lower, Middle and Upper Florida Keys, Florida Gulf Coast from Flamingo to South of Chokoloskee Key Impacts Storm Surge: Life threatening surge along Florida’s Gulf coast with up to 8-12 feet possible Rainfall: 5-10 inches, with up to 15 inches possible for Florida, increasing the risk of flash flooding and river flooding Wind: Hurricane force wind expected along the northern Yucatan and Florida’s west coast by Tuesday night, or early Wednesday Surf: Dangerous surf and rip currents along the Gulf Coast over the next few days