According to the National Weather Service, Milton became a category 5 storm very quickly. As of Monday update, data from a hurricane hunter aircraft show that the maximum sustained winds had grown to 160 mph (250 km/h) with stronger gusts.

NWS expects the strength to fluctuate as it advances into Florida between now and Wednesday. NWS have seen quick intensification Monday morning. In summary, they anticipate that Milton will be a sizable and strong hurricane that makes landfall in Florida, posing a threat to human lives both inland and along Florida's Gulf Coast.

Beginning Tuesday night or early Wednesday, there is a growing chance that parts of the Florida Peninsula's west coast may see a life-threatening storm surge from Milton.