Milton is expected to downgrade to a non-major hurricane (Category 1 or 2) as it continues northeast through Central Florida before exiting the state off the East Coast, back into the Atlantic Ocean, the NHC added.
The hurricane is predicted to make landfall in Florida’s Tampa Bay area sometime between 1 p.m. Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday
Image credits:Â NHC_Surge
“Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches are now in effect for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula and residents in the area should follow any advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so,” the hurricane center wrote, adding that “areas of heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida today (October 7) well ahead of Milton.”
Tampa Bay, as well as the Anclote River to Englewood, Florida, could see storm surge as high as 12 feet.
“Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches, with localized totals up to 15 inches, are expected across portions of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys through Wednesday night,” the hurricane center said.
