Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida near Tampa Bay sometime late Wednesday through early Thursday morning before moving into Central Florida on its way to the Atlantic.
And as it does so, the storm is expected to increase the risk dramatically for flash flooding into the region.
Recommended Videos
As of 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the following areas were under flood-related warnings:
- Brevard County: Flash flood warning until 9:45 p.m.
- Flagler County: Flash flood warning until 9:15 p.m.
- Flagler County: Flash flood warning until 10:45 p.m. for northwestern Flagler County
- Flagler County: Flash flood warning until 11:15 p.m. for southern Flagler County
- Lake County: Flash flood warning until 9:45 p.m.
- Lake/Volusia County: St. Johns River near Astor is expected to reach major flood stage by Thursday morning
- Marion County: Flash flood warning until 11:15 p.m. for northeastern Marion County
- Marion County: Flash flood warning until 11:45 p.m.
- Orange County: Flash flood warning until 9:45 p.m.
- Osceola County: Flash flood warning until 9:45 p.m.
- Seminole County: Flash flood warning until 9:45 p.m. for southeastern Seminole County
- Sumter County: Flash flood warning until 10:45 p.m.
- Sumter County: Withlacoochee River near Croom is expected to see minor flooding starting Friday morning
- Volusia County: Flash flood warning until 9:45 p.m.
- Volusia County: High rip current risk in effect through Thursday evening for coastal areas
Across Central Florida, rainfall totals are forecast to stretch up to 8 inches. A few areas may even see over 10 inches.
Along the coasts, the NHC is predicting major storm surges — especially where Milton is expected to come aground.
Near Tampa Bay, storm surge could rise as high as 15 feet above sea level, with areas directly north and south forecast to get at least 5 feet.
On the other side of the state, coastal communities in Flagler, Volusia and Brevard counties could see 3-5 feet of storm surge. As of Tuesday, both Volusia and Flagler counties announced evacuation orders for these areas.
Meanwhile, the NHC estimates that tropical-storm-force winds could reach Florida’s Gulf Coast by around 2 p.m. Wednesday.
As Milton moves inland, those winds may reach the Orlando area by as early as 8 p.m. Projected wind gusts in the region could reach 100 mph.
A hurricane is considered a major hurricane when it reaches Category 3 status. Milton is forecast to stay a major hurricane and expand in size as it approaches Florida.
For the latest on Milton’s status as it approaches Florida, check back with ClickOrlando here.