A stunningly precise forecast of Hurricane Milton’s track gave Floridians a strong head start to prepare this past week. It marked the latest instance that a major hurricane has been mapped in precise detail — its path was accurately predicted a whole four days before it made landfall.

Meteorologists are receiving praise over their accuracy in predicting Hurricane Milton's path. NBC News' Bill Karins compares Milton's forecast to the storm's path.

The National Hurricane Center's track forecasts for the eventual path of Hurricane Milton were unusually accurate, starting from the first storm advisory. Why it matters: The early confidence in the eventual path of Hurricane Milton allowed officials time to warn the public and prepare communities for the powerful storm.