The National Hurricane Center's track forecasts for the eventual path of Hurricane Milton were unusually accurate, starting from the first storm advisory. Why it matters: The early confidence in the eventual path of Hurricane Milton allowed officials time to warn the public and prepare communities for the powerful storm.

This 2022 video captures the devastating 15 foot storm surge at Ft. Myers Beach in Florida during Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane Milton strengthened as it churned through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida on Tuesday and could wallop one of the state’s major population centers with huge storm surges, lashing rain and destructive winds just two weeks after deadly Hurricane Helene swamped the coastline.