Hurricane Milton is on the brink of becoming a Category 5 hurricane. The northern Yucatán Peninsula, from Mérida to Cancún, should prepare for immediate and severe impacts as the storm passes just offshore.

Hurricane Milton has undergone an extraordinary intensification over the past 24 hours, increasing its wind speeds by a remarkable 90 miles per hour.

This rapid intensification is only surpassed by the record-breaking hurricanes Wilma (2005) and Felix (2007).

Milton is projected to become the second Category 5 hurricane of the season by this evening.

Given its increasing strength, preparations in Mexico should be finalized immediately to ensure the safety of residents and communities in the affected areas.

This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.