Hurricane Milton Tracker: “Extremely Dangerous” Storm Targets Florida Gulf Coast

TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricane Milton remains an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center warns that this could be one of the most destructive hurricanes ever for west central Florida.

As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, the major hurricane was located at 22.7 N, 88.4 W. The National Hurricane Center said the hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour and was in the Gulf of Mexico at a speed of 9 miles per hour moved from east to northeast.

According to the NHC, the storm is completing eyewall replacement, causing the strongest winds to spread further from the center of the storm as the eye grows larger.

Hurricane Milton is expected to become a dangerous, severe hurricane when it hits Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday or early Thursday.

On Wednesday, Milton expects a less favorable environment with strong shear, which forecasters believe will weaken the storm.

Hurricane Milton is expected to encounter wind shear before making landfall, which will likely result in some weakening. Regardless, it will be a major hurricane upon landfall.

Even if the storm weakens, it is expected to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 Florida counties, while President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration ahead of Milton.

Models show Hurricane Milton making landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Clocks and Alerts

A hurricane warning is in effect for Florida's west coast from Bonita Beach north to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay. Hurricane warnings cover a large section of Florida's east coast.

Much of Central Florida, including the entire Tampa Bay region, is under a hurricane warning ahead of Milton.

A storm surge warning has been issued for the west coast of Florida from Flamingo north to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay.

A flood warning is in effect for the entire Tampa Bay area, most of Central Florida and all of South Florida.

What is the difference between a clock and an alert?

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning typically occurs 36 hours before the expected first appearance of tropical storm-force winds, conditions that make external preparations difficult or dangerous.

A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A warning is typically issued 48 hours before the expected first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make external preparations difficult or dangerous.

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A Storm Surge Warning means there is a risk of life-threatening flooding from rising water flowing inland from the coast in the specified locations over the next 36 hours.

A Storm Surge Warning means there is a chance of life-threatening flooding from rising water moving inland from the coast in the specified locations over the next 48 hours.

What is the timeline for impact in the Bay Area?

FOX 13 meteorologists say rain and strong winds will come out of Milton on Wednesday, with a major hurricane expected to make landfall Wednesday evening or early Thursday.

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According to FOX 13 meteorologist Dave Osterberg, the exact location of landfall will make a significant difference when it comes to impacts like storm surge.

When it comes to Hurricane Milton's severe impacts, including life-threatening storm surges, the location of landfall is critical.

“Where this storm makes landfall, and perhaps 20 to 30 miles south, is where the greatest storm surge will be,” Osterberg said.

In the worst areas, storm surge could reach 10-15 feet.

Storm surge from Hurricane Milton could reach 10 to 15 feet in the worst areas.

There will also be significant rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday, with 5 to 10 inches of rain expected in parts of the Bay Area.

Hurricane Milton could bring 5 to 10 inches of rain to parts of the Tampa Bay area.

Tropical storm-force wind gusts are expected to arrive by midday Wednesday. Hurricane-force wind gusts will be felt throughout the Bay Area, including inland, as Milton moves through the state late Wednesday and early Thursday.

Osterberg said tropical storm-force winds could extend more than 200 miles from the center of Milton until they reach Florida.

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