Hurricane Milton tracker: Category 5 storm strongest in Gulf in 20 years

With Hurricane Milton inching closer to Florida, President Joe Biden spoke with Gov. Ron DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor Monday night, the White House said.

"This evening, the President had separate calls with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to get a firsthand report on recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene, and to discuss preparations for Hurricane Milton," the White House said in a statement. "He asked the Governor and the Mayor to call him directly if there is anything that can be done to further support the response and recovery efforts."

Biden also spoke with director of the National Weather Service Kein Graham, who briefed him on the "expected impacts" of Milton on Florida.

Graham emphasized that "this hurricane could have major impacts and that people in the storm's path should evacuate now while there is ample time to do so," according to the White House.

-ABC News' Molly Nagel

Milton is now the strongest hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, by both wind and pressure, in nearly two decades, ABC News has determined.

As of 8 p.m. ET, Hurricane Milton's winds were holding steady at 180 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Hunters report that Milton's pressure has fallen to near a new record low of 897 mb. It is currently 650 miles southwest of Tampa, the NHC said.

-ABC News Senior Meteorologist Melissa Griffin

The St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, just outside of Tampa, Florida, will close at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and stay shut on Wednesday and Thursday.

"The airport is in a mandatory evacuation zone and is not a public shelter," airport officials tweeted. "Prepare and stay safe."

Tampa International Airport will suspend operations beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday and stay closed "until it can assess any damage after the storm," airport officials said.

The Orlando International Airport will close Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. and reopen as soon as it's safe, officials said. Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) will cease operations at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Those currently under an evacuation order due to the threat of Hurricane Milton should leave now, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tweeted Monday evening.

"Hurricane #Milton is intensifying to record strength. If you've received an evacuation order, leave NOW," he tweeted. "@DHSgov, the Biden-Harris Admin, and local and state partners are prepositioning life-saving resources. Stay informed via @FEMA or the FEMA app."