Milton was tracking across the Gulf of Mexico bound for what could be a devastating crash along Florida's already storm-battered western coast.

Milton rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane Monday on a path toward Florida population centers including Tampa and Orlando, threatening a dangerous storm surge in Tampa Bay and setting the stage for potential mass evacuations.

Hurricane Milton's winds reach 90 mph and is expected to reach Category 4 strength. Sarasota and Manatee counties are in center of forecast cone.