ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An extreme wind warning was issued for Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties until 9:30 p.m. Wednesday as Hurricane Milton approached landfall on Florida's west coast.
Hurricane Milton made landfall around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, bringing tropical cyclone-related sustained surface winds, greater than or equal to 100 knots (115 mph) to the Tampa Bay area.
What is an extreme wind warning?
When an extreme wind warning is issued, it means three things, according to the National Weather Service.
- Extreme hurricane winds are imminent or happening now
- Sustained winds of 115 mph or greater are expected
- Residents should take immediate shelter inside a well-built structure
What are the other impacts affecting the Tampa Bay area right now?
A tornado watch is in effect for:
- Hernando and Pasco counties until 9 p.m. Wednesday
A flash flood warning is in effect for:
- Hardee, Highlands, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota counties until 7:45 p.m.
A hurricane warning is in effect for:
- Florida's west coast from Bonita Beach northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay
A storm surge warning is in effect for:
- Florida west coast from Flamingo northward to Yankeetown, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
