The storm could still be one of the region's most devastating storms ever , as Indiana residents are forced to alter vacation plans and try to maintain the safety of loved ones from afar.
Where did Hurricane Milton make landfall in Florida tonight?
Hurricane Milton was expected to make landfall in the Manatee Couty / Sarasota County area on central Florida's west coast, give or take 50 miles north or south, according to Davis, who also advised people not to concentrate on where it could make landfall.
"We're telling people not to focus on the exact center because as the system makes landfall, the eye is going to be getting larger, and the wind field is going to be expanding," Davis said. "Even if you're not directly in the path, the effects will be felt far and wide at the point of landfall."
Did Hurricane Milton weather produce a tornado near Sunrise, Florida today?
Yes, a tornado touched down 14 miles west of Sunrise, Fla. and coasted across Interstate 75. The state will experience hurricane and tropical storm winds throughout Wednesday. Areas in Southwest Florida are already experiencing tornadoes.
Hurricane Milton weather update today: National Hurricane Center warns of 'life-threatening' storm's approach
In a Wednesday morning update from the National Hurricane Center, meteorologists forecasted heavy rainfall totaling 6 to 12 inches across central to northern portions of the Florida Peninsula through Thursday, with localized totals up to 18 inches.
"This rainfall brings the risk of catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with moderate to major river flooding," the center said.
Hurricane-force winds are also expected along portions of the state's west coast, where a hurricane warning is in effect, and could extend well inland and outside the forecast cone. Hurricane warning maps show Florida blanketed in red and orange alerts.
"Preparations to protect life and property, including being ready for long-duration power outage, should be rushed to completion," the center warned. "Milton is expected to remain an extremely dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the west-central coast of Florida."
Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World both announced closures bracing for landfall, and Tropicana Field where the Tampa Bay Rays play home games has been transformed into a base camp for emergency responders.
On Tuesday, evacuating Florida residents headed to Georgia to escape Milton ahead of landfall. Over a hundred miles north of the state line, many were stuck in central Georgia traffic and packed gas stations.
How to sign up for Hurricane Milton text alert warning updates / Suscríbete para recibir alertas por mensaje de texto sobre el Huracán Milton
Want to track Hurricane Milton? Get texts about current storms, hurricanes and more weather events by location and around the country.
Envía HOLA al (239) 241-6343 para recibir información sobre Milton en español.
Información más reciente sobre el Huracán Milton en Florida
¿Cuándo y dónde tocará tierra el Huracán Milton ? Esto es lo que sabemos hasta ahora.
Hurricane Milton path tracker update map
Hurricane Milton spaghetti models update map
Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest-performing models to help make its forecasts.
Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims .
Well sense people have to run from hurricane. Where will they be staying? Hard to find a place that isn’t already housing illegals. A lot of our own people don’t have a housing here. How are they going to go to another state and survive? Americans don’t have the thousands that the government. I hear people complain they don’t understand the language. When we go to other countries it is our job to know the language and laws. But not here. Is anyone pissed off yet of how we are treated. Now we have to bend over backwards for them more. But less not hurt their feelings. Don’t believe watch how this plays out. Last hurricane was a nightmare for people to get help. What you think will happen this time? Where’s all the money coming from?
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