HURRICANE MILTON: ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL STORMS IN 45 YEARS
Milton has posted a pressure reading of 897 millibars, making it one of the top four strongest U.S. hurricanes since 1979.
With 180 mph winds, it’s now the most powerful storm in the Gulf of Mexico since Rita in 2005.
Experts say warm Gulf waters have fueled Milton's rapid intensification, placing it in the top 10 strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.
Source: NBC News, NYT