Milton hurricane tracker: Storm 'explodes' into Category 5 as experts warn Florida could face 'once-in-a-lifetime' storm

Hurricane Milton strengthened within hours to Category 5, the highest level on the scale, and many wondered whether it could reach the hypothetical Category 6.

Currently, the upper limit of the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale is Category 5, which includes all storms with sustained winds of 157 miles per hour or greater. Milton is already in that category, with winds of 180 miles per hour.

Although Category 6 does not officially exist, some experts argue that the scale may need to be revised as storms intensify.

In a recent study, climate scientists Michael Wehner and Jim Kossin suggested that storms with wind speeds above 180 mph (300 km/h), recorded in only five storms since 1980, could warrant a new category.

Although the National Hurricane Center has not suggested adding a Category 6, researchers say it's time to rethink how hurricanes are categorized, especially as oceans warm, such as in the Gulf of Mexico, and storms become extremely heated .

About his study, Dr. Wehner at the time said the goal was to “rethink how the openness of the Saffir-Simpson scale can lead to an underestimation of risk and, in particular, how that underestimation becomes increasingly problematic as the world warms.”

“Even under the relatively low global warming targets of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to just 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures by the end of this century, the increased likelihood of Category 6 storms in these simulations significantly,” he said.

Hurricane Milton could have “a worst-case scenario impact on the Tampa Bay area,” AccuWeather warned.

“You don’t want to wait until a storm surge occurs before taking action,” Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said.

“During Hurricanes Helene and Ian, we experienced so many preventable tragedies. Please leave the areas at risk of this devastating storm surge while you still can.”

“We are very concerned that Hurricane Milton could become one of the most devastating and costly storms Florida has ever experienced.”

It's critical to have a plan and emergency supplies in place before Hurricane Milton hits, and heeding evacuation warnings could be a life-saving decision, emergency officials said Monday.

According to Jaime Hernandez, the director of emergency management in Hollywood, Florida, people should do three important things: make a plan, have an emergency kit and stay informed.

“If they have issued an evacuation order, I ask you, I implore you, to evacuate.”

Hurricane Milton, which became a Category 5 hurricane within hours on Monday, is expected to remain “extremely dangerous” as it makes landfall in Florida on Wednesday.

“Although fluctuations in intensity are expected, Milton is expected to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane if it makes landfall in Florida,” the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a statement.

Florida authorities provide free Uber rides to and from storm shelters for all individuals within counties subject to an evacuation order.

The state's Division of Emergency Management said Monday evening that people who meet those criteria can now activate the offer by adding the “MILTONRELIEF” action in the Uber app.

The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department wrote on Facebook Monday that access to the barrier islands, including Clearwater Beach, was limited to residents, business owners, employees working on the beach, rideshare drivers and workers moving debris.

All entrances will be closed at the same time on Tuesday.

“Take the next 24 hours to make your preparations. If you live in an evacuation zone, you must evacuate,” the department said.

Boston TV meteorologist Eric Fischer says that Milton is in the process of expanding his eyewall to create a larger eye, which would have both helpful and harmful effects for the people in his path.

That process could cause Milton to lose intensity, Fisher explained, but could also lead to an increase in storm surge flooding.