Milton, which became a hurricane Sunday, is predicted to reach Category 3 status and capable of causing ''devastating damage.''

Hurricane Milton continued to strengthen on Monday and became a powerful Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. Milton was in the Gulf of Mexico and is headed toward the Florida Peninsula, parts of which are now under hurricane and storm surge watches.

Hurricane Milton was nearing Category 4 strength and is likely to remain a major hurricane as it nears Florida’s Gulf coast. Here’s the latest forecast path.