Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida near Tampa Bay early Thursday morning before moving through 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.
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According to the National Hurricane Center, rainfall on Wednesday morning could result in a slight risk (at least 15% chance) of floods for Central and South Florida. Those risks become much lower in North-Central Florida.
However, Milton is forecast to begin its crawl through Central Florida by Wednesday evening.
Once it does, flash flood chances will reach at least 70% for the region, and at least 40% on either side.
After Milton passes through to the Atlantic, chances will dip to moderate along Central Florida’s east coast and Orlando, with areas further inland seeing even lower odds.
Across Central Florida, the NHC predicts rainfall totals 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.