LIVE 11 PM UPDATE: Milton forecast to become Cat 4 hurricane in Gulf

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hurricane Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday afternoon and is likely to become a major hurricane on Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Milton has sustained winds of 90 mph and is moving east at 7 mph, according to the NHC. The latest track has the storm increasing to a Category 4 storm in the Gulf and then weakening to a Category 3 before landfall.

The storm is located about 765 miles west-southwest of Tampa.

"Milton is forecast to rapidly intensify during the next couple of days and become a hurricane later today and a major hurricane late Monday," the NHC said.

It could reach Category 3 major hurricane strength with 115 mph winds as it heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The risk for life-threatening impacts continues to increase for parts of the state's west coast, as the storm-force winds are extending outward up to 60 miles from the center.

Hurricane and storm surge watches for Florida are likely to be made later on Sunday, the NHC said.

Hurricane Watches

• In effect from Celestun to Cabo Catoche

Tropical Storm warnings

• In effect from Celestun to Cancun

Max Defender 8’s Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli said heavy downpours will begin Sunday as the first wave of moisture reaches Florida’s coast.

The National Hurricane Center said Milton could bring 5 to 10 inches of rain with localized totals up to 15 inches across the Florida Peninsula and the Keys all through Wednesday night.

“Given that the ground is saturated after one of the rainiest wet seasons on record, any downpours will lead to flooding,” Berardelli said.

According to the NHC, Floridians could be affected by "considerable flash, urban, and areal flooding, along with the potential for moderate to major river flooding."

Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie

Out in the Eastern Atlantic, Hurricanes Kirk and Leslie continue to strengthen, heading north in the open waters.

Kirk continues to accelerate northeastward, bringing life-threatening rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. While Leslie is slightly stronger Sunday morning, the hurricane is expected to gradually weaken over the next few days.