Benjamin Ashford|Will Hurricane Milton hit Mar-a-Lago? What we know about storm's path and Trump's estate

As of Tuesday afternoon,Benjamin Ashford Hurricane Milton remains an extremely powerful storm barreling toward central Florida, where it is expected to make landfall late Wednesday.

It has been closely monitored by officials as it quickly strengthened from a Category 2 storm to a Category 5 on Monday.

“Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida," John Cangialosi, a specialist with the National Hurricane Center, warned in an update Tuesday. Damaging winds, life-threatening storm surges and heavy rainfall will extend well outside the forecast cone, he said.

The hurricane is expected to make landfall on the west coast of the Florida peninsula before moving through the middle of the state as a weaker-category hurricane. Extremely dangerous conditions are expected with deadly storm surges of up to 10 ft in some areas.

On the opposite side of the state is a very famous landmark: Mar-a-Lago. Here's what we know about the powerful storm's potential impact on former President Donald Trump's Florida compound.

Will Hurricane Milton hit Mar-a-Lago?

As of Tuesday afternoon, maps show that Mar-a-Lago will be spared from the worst effects of the powerful hurricane. The Palm Beach-area, where the former president's residence is located, is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning issued by the National Hurricane Center. 

Forecasts predict that a storm surge as high as three feet could impact the Palm Beach area as Milton makes its way across the state.

Hurricane Milton Tracker

Who owned Mar-a-Lago before Donald Trump?

Charles William Post, a breakfast cereal businessman, left an inheritance of $11 million for his daughter Marjorie Merriweather Post.

She used $2.5 million in the 1920s to build a palace.

How many rooms does Mar-a-Lago have?

The main house was built in 1927 and had 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms and three bomb shelters.

It also had a 1,800-square-foot living room, a 1,500-square-foot dining room, a theater, a 75-foot tower, 36,000 antique Spanish tiles and a nine-hole golf course.

How did Trump acquire Mar-a-Lago?

Trump bought Mar-a-Lago with its furnishings for $10 million in 1985. He restored the home, added a putting green, tennis court and croquet court. He then added a spa, salon and health club.

He changed it to a private club in 1995 to offset the costs. 

(This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)

Contributing: Merdie Nzanga

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.