First Alert Weather: Fall-feel returns to central Ala. as Hurricane Milton grows to Category 5 storm in the Gulf [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Hurricane Milton is now a major Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds at 180 mph as of 3 p.m. This makes Milton the most powerful hurricane to develop over the Gulf of Mexico since Rita in 2005.

The hurricane is expected to make a landfall near Tampa late Wednesday as a major hurricane. Areas in the direct path of this system should be rushing to complete preparations by Wednesday morning and heeding evacuation orders.

You will often see a powerful tropical cyclone like this go through an eye wall replacement cycle. As these systems go through these cycles, the storm’s intensity can be impacted. Right now, the National Hurricane Center is forecasting a major Category 3 at landfall.

NEXT BIG THING:A cold front has arrived and this will bring a refreshing north breeze this evening. We will remain very dry this week, with cooler-crisp mornings, and afternoon highs nearing …