Channel 9 meteorologists are monitoring Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida.
View the latest updates below:
Hurricane Milton maintains a Cat. 5 status with slightly weaker winds.
The 11 p.m. Oct. 7 advisory from the National Hurricane Center has winds of 165 mph, showing slight weakening.
Earlier on Monday, Milton recorded a central pressure of 987 mb, making it one of the strongest Gulf hurricanes on record.
Hurricane Warnings continue for most of Central Florida, including Metro Orlando, and Hurricane Watches are in effect for Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties. Hurricane force winds are expected across the entire area from Wednesday to Thursday.
Read: See where to get sandbags in Central Florida
Milton is expected to maintain its Category 5 strength through Tuesday, then weaken some as it approaches Florida. It is expected to remain a major hurricane upon landfall.
The latest issue shows Milton making landfall along the west coast of Florida early Thursday morning. The plane is expected to track across Central Florida on Thursday.
Read: Hurricane Milton: These shelters are open in Central Florida
The threat of a major hurricane strike is now likely on the west coast of Florida. Catastrophic storm surge and hurricane-force winds are possible along and south of the landfall point.
In Central Florida, the threat of significant impacts continues to increase. Hurricane winds of more than 75 miles per hour, rainfall of more than 10 inches and storm surges along the East Coast of 10 to 5 feet are all possible.
Stay with Channel 9 for updates on Milton.
Read: Following Milton: These schools have announced closures
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