TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Milton strengthened Sunday afternoon from a tropical storm as it continues to move toward Florida, according to hurricane forecasters.
Milton came on the scene on Saturday as a tropical storm. Now, as a hurricane, the storm is still expected to "rapidly intensify" and be at Category 2 or 3 hurricane strength when it reaches the west coast of Florida sometime midweek.
The National Hurricane Center announced that "Milton is forecast to rapidly intensify during
the next couple of days and become a major hurricane on Monday."
Florida could see impacts beginning Wednesday.
The storm is about 815 miles west-southwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds at 80 mph.
As of the latest advisory, a Tropical Storm Watch is currently in effect from Celestun to Cancun Mexico. Hurricane and storm surge watches will likely be required for portions of Florida late Sunday.
Rainfall from Milton is expected to range between 5-8 inches with localized totals up to 12 inches across portions of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys through Wednesday night. That rainfall will bring risks of flash, urban and areal flooding along with minor to moderate river flooding, according to NHC. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the Florida Peninsula starting Sunday morning.
A wave of moisture ahead of Milton will bring tropical downpours to the region beginning on Sunday. Although this won't be a washout of a day, times of heavy rain dumped over localized areas could lead to flash flooding.
With a front sinking in from the north, the areas prone to seeing most of the rain will exist along and south of I-4. Coastal areas should pay close attention to the forecast and have a way to receive alerts in case a flash flood warning were to be issued. Anticipated rainfall from Sunday night to Wednesday will range from 3" - 6" with higher totals possible in isolated spots.
By Wednesday, Hurricane Milton's impacts will also include storm surge and damaging winds. Keep checking back for updates.
Our 10 Tampa Bay Weather team will continue to monitor any development and keep you informed, prepared and connected through the rest of hurricane season.