Hurricane Milton has formed and could grow stronger before hitting Florida midweek

MIAMI (AP) — The National Hurricane Center says Milton is now a hurricane and is intensifying rapidly as it moves east across the Gulf. It could be a major hurricane before it slams into the storm-ravaged Florida coast, most likely on Wednesday. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 51 counties, many of which are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. The state’s emergency management director says Florida’s preparing for the largest evacuation in years, since Hurricane Irma in 2017. They’ve prepared emergency fuel and EV charging stations and shelters along the routes. DeSantis says it’s an “all hands on deck” situation.