Hurricane Milton is now a Category 4 system and is forecast to reach Category 5 status later today.

The National Hurricane Centre says Milton currently has winds up to 250 km/h, with higher gusts.

It is forecast to move near or just north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula today and Tuesday.

It is then expected to approach the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

•  Celestun to Rio Lagartos

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:

• Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche
• Campeche to south of Celestun
• Florida Gulf coast from Chokoloskee to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay
• Dry Tortugas
• Lake Okeechobee

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:

• Florida Gulf coast from Flamingo northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

• Rio Lagartos to Cancun
• Campeche to south of Celestun

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:

• Florida Gulf coast from Flamingo to south of Chokoloskee
• Florida Gulf coast north of the mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass
• Lower, Middle, and Upper Florida Keys, including Florida Bay