Hurricane Milton: County-by-county impacts and timeline

With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall Wednesday, many counties in Florida have been urged to evacuate.

The Category 4 hurricane is tracking towards Tampa Bay with winds as fast as 145 mph. Meteorologists are saying this one-of-a-kind weather event will cause catastrophic damage to several communities in Florida.

It comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Florida , Georgia and North Carolina. Those communities are still rebuilding from Helene’s record storm surge, and Milton’s is expected to be even higher.

• Hurricane Milton: 12 pictures show Florida's desperate attempts to prepare for massive 'life-threatening' storm
• Hurricane Helene: Elderly couple killed by falling tree in Tennessee found hugging each other in bedroom

Central Florida can expect strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and tornadoes as Milton makes its way across the state Wednesday and Thursday. Here are the counties that are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, according to Fox 35.

Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole counties

Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole counties will see the worst weather Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon. That includes Orlando, home to the Disney World parks.

Winds may reach up to 85 mph. The area will see heavy rainfall, with the possibility of 8 to 10 inches.

Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties

In Lake, Marion and Sumter counties, residents can also expect to experience the worst weather on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

There will be strong winds of 85 mph and the chance of 5 to 7 inches of rain.

• Joe Biden 'postpones' White House reception with Irish leader over 'grave threat'
• Moment Hurricane Milton meteorologist chokes back tears on air over terrifying storm

Brevard, Flagler, and Volusia counties

On the eastern coast of Florida, in Brevard, Flagler and Volusia counties, the storm will be strongest from Thursday morning to Thursday evening.

Winds may reach up to 90 mph, and residents should expect a storm surge, beach erosion and tornadoes. There could be 10 to 12 inches of rain.

Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties

The counties of Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy will see the worst weather Wednesday evening to Thursday morning.

Residents will likely experience flooding, with 4 to 6 inches of rain.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .