Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 5 storm in the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded as it barrels towards Florida, according to forecasters. The National Hurricane Center said in an update at 5 p.m. on Monday that Milton’s maximum sustained winds had increased to 180 miles per hour (285 km/h), making it an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane and one of the strongest on record. “Milton could strengthen even more tonight with light shear and very warm waters providing a conducive environment,” NHC forecaster Eric Blake sai…