Mandatory evacuations have been issued in Florida after Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a major hurricane in the southern Gulf of Mexico Monday morning.

Hurricane watches have been issued for over 6 million people in west-central Florida, including the Tampa area. Tropical storm watches are also in effect for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast — including the Big Bend area, which was struck by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago.

At 8 a.m., Milton was a Category 3 with winds of 125 mph, according to AccuWeather. By 9 a.m. Hurricane Hunters flying through the heart of the storm determined it was a “powerhouse” Category 4 with winds of 150 mph — 7 mph less than what is deemed Category 5 status.

National Weather Service’s Lake Charles Office Lead Meteorologist Joe Rua said no tropical impacts are expected for central or Southwest Louisiana — although tides along the coast will be about a foot above normal through mid-week.

“Take care, everyone, and send prayers and good wishes to those in the Florida Peninsula that may be dealing with impacts from a major hurricane on Wednesday,” Rua said.

Rua said a cold front moving across Southwest Louisiana Monday night will keep steering Milton toward Florida.

This will help reinforce the dry conditions in place in the region while bringing cooler temperatures for the next few days, he said.

Day temperatures are expected to drop into the low-to-mid 80s through Thursday with minimum relative humidity. Temperatures are expected to drop into the low 50s.