Those speeds increased by 95 mph in 24 hours and by 120 mph in 36 hours.  The storm, now about 630 miles from Tampa, rapidly strengthened from Category 2 to 5 in just a few hours Monday. By Tuesday,

Hurricane Milton strengthened to a Category 5 storm on Monday as it takes aim at Florida's west coast. Landfall is expected as a Category 3 hurricane Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Milton is closing in as Floridians are still recovering from the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene.