Winds, models and forecast path for Hurricane Milton

TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricane Milton has made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County. It moved inland as a Category 3 storm with maximum winds of 120 miles per hour. An Extreme Wind Warning remains in effect around Tampa Bay as the northern eyewall moves across the area.

Milton remains stable with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and a Category 3 storm. Although it has weakened somewhat today, it remains an extremely strong and dangerous storm. It is moving northeast at 15 miles per hour.

Milton will continue to weaken as it moves through the state, but is expected to remain a hurricane until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.

Central Florida around and north of central Milton will continue to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds tonight, while storm surge remains at its worst south of central Milton.

All Bay Area warnings can be found here | Check out Central Florida alerts here | Central Florida Power Outage Maps | Tampa Bay Power Outage Maps

Keep in mind that the greatest climb (10 to 15 feet) occurs south of the eye. North of the eye there will be torrential rain and strong winds.

Winds will still be blowing strongly in all directions far from the center, with some gusts in the 80 to 110 mph range even 30 to 40 miles from the center.

Milton is controlled by the current between a trough burrowing over the Gulf of Mexico and a ridge near the Greater Antilles. On Thursday it will move more easterly.

Currently, hurricane-force winds extend 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend 255 miles from the center, particularly in the north. Milton's wind field is expected to increase significantly in size as the center moves over Florida, creating a large area of ​​tropical storm and hurricane-force winds. Damaging winds, life-threatening storm surges and heavy rainfall will extend well beyond the forecast cone.

Due to the rainfall, there is a risk of flash flooding and moderate to major river flooding.

The weather should improve quickly on Thursday afternoon.

Preparations to protect life and property and evacuations should be completed.

Significant wind damage and power outages are expected near the center of the storm.

The Tampa Bay area is under a flood watch until Thursday evening.

With cleanup and debris removal still underway along the West Coast, the impact of heavy rain, wind and storm surge would be greater.

NOTICES/CLOCKS/WARNINGS

Hurricane warnings in Tampa Bay: Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties.

Central Florida hurricane warnings: Marion, Sumter, Northern and Souther Lake, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties.

Storm Surge Warning in Tampa Bay: Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee and Hernando counties.

Storm Surge Warning for Central Florida: Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties.

TIMING OF POTENTIAL IMPACT IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

Heavy rain, damaging winds and the threat of tornadoes will increase Wednesday night into early Thursday before the storm exits our East Coast late Thursday morning. Our East Coast beaches are likely to experience rough surf and beach erosion through the end of the week.

Milton will move off the East Coast, but winds on the backside of the storm will lead to storm surges and coastal flooding. Storm surge watches extend along our east coast.

Flooding will be one of our greatest threats. Peak rainfall totals will be up to 8 to 12 inches, with locally higher totals possible along I-4 and to the north.

Precipitation potential

River flooding

Heavy rainfall will result in high river levels and risk of flooding. Flood warnings are in effect for the following areas.

River flood warning for Anclote River at Elfers on Little Road. Severe flooding is forecast. This is approaching record flooding. Flooding at 24.0 foot homes in Anclote River Estates. The river is expected to exceed flood stage tomorrow morning and continue to rise to a peak of 25.9 feet Friday evening.

Flood warning now in effect from tonight through late Friday for the Manatee River at Rye Bridge. Moderate flooding is forecast. At 12.8 feet, Water reaches the roadbed of the Old Rye Bridge. The river is expected to exceed flood stage late this evening and reach 13.0 feet tomorrow evening. It will then fall below the flood mark on Friday afternoon.

Flood warning Now in effect for Little Manatee River at Wimauma on US 301. Major flooding 20.0 feet. is forecast. This is approaching record flooding. The river is expected to rise above flood stage and continue to rise to a peak of 18.3 feet early Friday morning.

Flood warning now in effect for Peace River near Bartow. The river is expected to exceed flood stage late this evening and continue to rise to 9.6 feet Saturday morning. After that, further climbs are possible. This is approaching record flooding.

Flood warning now applies to the Manatee River at Rye Bridge. Moderate flooding is forecast. The river is expected to rise above flood stage just after midnight tonight and reach a peak of 12.8 feet by early afternoon.