The rapid intensification of 70 mph during a 13-hour period over the steamy Gulf of Mexico puts Milton into the upper echelon of later-season tropical cyclones, approaching the Category 5 muscle of October 2018's Hurricane Michael and October 2005's Hurricane Wilma.

Milton's top winds are blowing at 155 mph and could grow into an even stronger Category 5 hurricane before it slams the west coast of Florida.

Hurricane Milton, already a monster Category 5 storm, continued to strengthen on Monday and now packs sustained winds of 180 mph as it remains on course to make landfall on Florida's west coast by Wednesday.