TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hurricane Milton is continuing its threatening path toward Florida's west coast, with a potential landfall this upcoming Wednesday.
Milton was upgraded to Category 5 hurricane at noon Monday.
However, it is expected to make landfall as a category 3. Even though Milton will weaken upon its approach to Tampa Bay, it presents a major threat as it brings devastating winds and life-threatening storm surge to the Tampa Bay area.
In the worst case scenario, Tampa Bay could see 8 to 12 feet of storm surge.
Areas under a Hurricane Warning
- Celestun to Rio Lagartos
Areas under a Hurricane Watch
- Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche
- Campeche to south of Celestun
- Florida Gulf coast from Chokoloskee to the mouth of the Suwanee River, including Tampa Bay
- Dry Tortugas
- Lake Okeechobee
Areas under a Storm Surge Watch
- Florida Gulf coast from Flamingo northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
Areas under a Tropical Storm Warning
- Rio Lagartos to Cancun
- Campeche to south of Celestun
Areas under a Tropical Storm Watch
- Florida Gulf coast from Flamingo to south of Chokoloskee
- Florida Gulf coast north of the mouth of the Suwanee River to Indian Pass
- Lower, Middle, and Upper Florida Keys, including Florida Bay
Be prepared with the 2024 Hurricane Guide and stay ahead of tropical development with the Tracking the Tropics newsletter.