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Forecasters say Hurricane Milton has the potential to become one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.

On Monday, Milton strengthened into a powerful Category 5 storm with winds of 180 mph. As of early Tuesday morning, Milton had slightly weakened to Category 4 but is forecast to restrengthen and grow in size.

Millions of residents continue to prepare for life-threatening impacts and evacuate the coast and other low-lying areas ahead of the monster storm’s arrival.

Here's everything you need to know about Hurricane Milton, including its location, projected path and watches/warnings in effect.

Hurricane Milton is located about 560 miles southwest of Tampa and has maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, making it a strong Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Milton is moving off to the east-northeast at 12 mph.

Path of Hurricane Milton 2024: What's the forecast?

The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Milton should make a turn to the east and then northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On that forecast track, Hurricane Milton is expected to move near or just north of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Tuesday, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday.

Milton continues to be a monster storm and near record-breaking hurricane. According to the , the hurricane has the second-lowest pressure on record in the Gulf of Mexico and the lowest pressure in the Atlantic since 2005.

At 180 mph, Milton is the strongest Atlantic hurricane in 5 years since Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Milton is also tied for the fourth-strongest storm since record keeping began. Hurricane Allen with 190 mph winds holds the record for the strongest Atlantic hurricane.

The first alerts were posted along Florida’s Gulf Coast early Monday morning, and those have since expanded to include more areas of Central Florida, including the Orlando area.

As Hurricane Milton approached, Storm Surge Warnings were issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Flamingo to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay.

The current storm surge forecast for Tampa Bay is up to 15 feet if the peak surge coincides with high tide. This is notably higher than during Helene, when Tampa Bay saw 7-8 feet of storm surge.

Charlotte Harbor is expected to see a storm surge of 6-10 feet, while Bonita Beach could see a surge of 4-7 feet.

A Hurricane Warning has been issued for the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay.

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the west coast of Florida south of Bonita Beach to Flamingo, including Lake Okeechobee, and north of the mouth of the Suwannee River northward and westward to Indian Pass.

This graphic shows the various tropical alerts in effect in Florida due to Hurricane Milton.

A Tropical Storm Warning has also been issued for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the U.S. east coast from Sebastian Inlet Florida to Edisto Beach South Carolina, including the St. Johns River.

A Hurricane Watch has been issued along the east coast of the Florida Peninsula from the St. Lucie/Indian River County Line northward to the mouth of the St. Marys River.

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued along the east coast of the Florida Peninsula south of the St. Lucie/Indian River County Line southward to Flamingo.

A Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued along the coast of Georgia and South Carolina from north of the mouth of the St. Marys River to South Santee River, South Carolina.

The situation is becoming more dire in Florida, with state and local officials warning residents that the time to prepare for the life-threatening storm is running out.

They say people near the coast or living in low-lying areas need to get out before the storm approaches and brings with it a potentially deadly storm surge that could reach up to 15 feet in some spots, including Tampa Bay.

Hurricane categories

A hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 74-95 mph is considered to be a Category 1 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A Category 1 storm is the weakest of all hurricanes but is stronger than a tropical storm.

A hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 96-110 mph is considered to be a Category 2 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A Category 2 storm is stronger than a Category 1 and is just one status below what is considered to be a major hurricane.

A hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 111-129 mph is considered to be a Category 3 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Once a hurricane strengthens into a Category 3 storm, it is considered to be a major hurricane.

A hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130-156 mph is considered to be a Category 4 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A Category 4 cyclone is considered to be a major hurricane and is only one class below a Category 5.

A hurricane with maximum sustained winds of at least 157 mph is considered to be a Category 5 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

A Category 5 is the strongest a hurricane can get on the scale, as there is not a Category 6 rating.

When does hurricane season end?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. August, September and October are considered to be the peak months, with more than 85% of tropical systems forming during the three-month period.

Port St Lucie, FL (October 7, 2024) – A fatal accident occurred early Monday morning on I-95 Southbound at mile marker 118, resulting in a tragic loss of life. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:37 a.m. and arrived shortly thereafter at 6:41 a.m. Upon their arrival, they encountered an unknown roadblock that complicated their efforts to assess the situation.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the accident remain limited, but preliminary reports indicate that the incident has led to significant disruptions on the highway. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather more information regarding the events that led to this tragic incident.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends affected by this heartbreaking accident.

Fatal Accidents in Florida

Fatal accidents on Florida roadways are a devastating reality that impacts countless lives each year. The state has consistently ranked among the highest in the nation for traffic-related fatalities. In recent years, thousands of lives have been lost due to motor vehicle accidents, many of which are attributed to reckless driving, distracted driving, and other forms of negligence.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the number of fatalities on Florida roads has remained alarmingly high, with over 3,700 deaths recorded in 2022 alone. These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures to protect motorists and pedestrians alike.

In the aftermath of a fatal accident, families often face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. It is crucial for those affected to seek legal guidance to understand their rights and options. A knowledgeable attorney can provide support and help navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims, ensuring that families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you love has been impacted by a fatal accident in Florida, it is essential to connect with a legal professional who understands the intricacies of personal injury law.

Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. Our comprehensive database provides key details and support options for those affected by accidents. We’re here to support your recovery process with valuable resources and information. Let us help you understand your options and find the support you require during this difficult time. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.

Gianna Montesano

Treasure Coast schools, businesses and other agencies are beginning to roll out closure information ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall this week on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Businesses and services could be affected by closures and cancellations — or not.

Here's what's opened and closed on the Treasure Coast.

Hurricane Milton:See which Treasure Coast shelters are open

Treasure Coast

Open

Closed

Indian River County

Open

Closed

Martin County

Open

Closed

St. Lucie County

Open

Closed

This story will be updated.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies were at a St. Lucie County residence on Thursday related to a child pornography case, according to the sheriff's office.

The investigation occurred at a home in the 680 block of Southwest Sarazen Avenue in Port St. Lucie. The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office confirmed with WPTV that they are executing a search warrant on a child porn case.

On Thursday evening, Sheriff Keith Pearson issued a statement regarding the case, and the arrest of suspect Andrei Gorlov:

Earlier today, Sheriffs Office Detectives assigned to our ICAC Unit executed a search warrant at 682 SW Sarzen Ave in Port St Lucie, FL. Detectives arrested Andrei Gorlov for 100 counts of possession of child pornography and recovered over 150 electronic devices. Our team of dedicated detectives will continue to target these sick individuals who have no place in our community as for Gorelov, he’s exactly where he belongs behind bars at the county jail.

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Investigators said this is still an ongoing investigation.

A WPTV news crew at the scene spotted investigators bringing out multiple computer hard drives from the home. There was also a shirtless man who was in handcuffs seated in a chair outside the home.

Peter Scott has lived in the neighborhood for the last eight years.

"[It is a] relatively quiet neighborhood," Scott said. "We have kids playing basketball, but nothing out of the ordinary."

He was shocked to hear the news.

"It does raise some radars and makes me wonder what's going on around here in this day in age," Scott said.

WPTV reporter Cassandra Garcia knocked on more than a dozen other doors on the same street, many of whom were parents who live in the area.

Residents told Garcia that this neighborhood is full of children. One woman said her kids pass by the home that was raided every day. They were all horrified to learn of the nearby child porn investigation.

However, Scott said he's hopeful.

"If something like that is happening, I hope justice is served," Scott said.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Insurance claims are beginning to pile up after Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction in multiple states.

In Florida, state data shows close to 40,000 claims filed and damages totaling $434 million.

Having confidence in insurers to pay claims is something Doug Quinn is skeptical about.

"There is a lot going on in the insurance industry that nobody is talking about," Quinn said at WPTV's Coverage Collapse Town Hall in September.

WATCH BELOW: WPTV hosts live town hall on Florida's insurance crisis

Quinn is the executive director of the American Policyholder Association, an organization he founded after his home was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

"I got 4 feet of water, and my home ended up being totaled," Quinn told WPTV senior reporter Matt Sczesny. "My insurance company hired an engineering firm that created a fraudulent report to say that damage was already there."

Quinn said that practice is still happening too many times, even in Florida where two years after Hurricane Ian nearly 200,000 claims have been closed without any claims, a number that he said is too high.

"There's no segment of the market that is immune from fraud," Quinn said.

"When is the state of Florida going to start holding the insurance industry accountable for their actions," he asked during the town hall audience.

State Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, who was on the panel for the town hall, answered quickly, saying there are currently 22 active investigations of insurers.

"I would disagree with you sir in that the insurance companies in Florida are highly regulated," Overdorf said.

Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute also sent us the following statement on the matter:

"The Florida property insurance industry is acting as a financial first responder to help its impacted customers recover from Hurricane Helene. The industry is in its best financial position in many years due to legislative reform passed in 2022 and 2023 and is well-capitalized to pay storm claims. If insurers do not follow state regulations regarding Helene claims processing, they will be held accountable by the Florida insurance commissioner and subject to sanctions."

Matt Sczesny is determined every day to help you find solutions in Florida's coverage collapse. If you have a question or comment on homeowners insurance, you can reach out to him any time.

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