Major Hurricane Threat Looms for Tampa Bay Area —Milton Could Bring Storm Surge and Flooding

Photo byNational Weather Service

The National Weather Service warns of dangerous conditions as Tropical Storm Milton approaches Florida’s west coast, with major impacts expected mid-week.

Florida’s Gulf Coast Prepares for Tropical Storm Milton’s Rapid Intensification

Tampa — Issued by the National Weather Service at 8:04 AM on October 6, 2024.

Tropical Storm Milton Expected to Reach Hurricane Strength as it Nears Florida

Residents along Florida’s west coast should prepare for significant impacts as Tropical Storm Milton continues to gain strength in the Southwest Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters warn that the storm could rapidly intensify to near-major hurricane status before making landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast between late Tuesday and Wednesday.

Risk of Life-Threatening Storm Surge and Wind Impacts Increases

The National Weather Service (NWS) has highlighted an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and strong wind impacts for coastal communities, particularly from Charlotte to Citrus Counties. As Milton moves northeast, dangerous storm surge is expected to begin late Tuesday and last through Wednesday, with additional impacts from heavy rain and strong winds.

Heavy Rain and Flooding Risks Start Early

Even before Tropical Storm Milton reaches Florida, the region is already experiencing significant rainfall. A Flood Watch is in effect through Thursday for much of the Tampa Bay area and surrounding regions, including Coastal Sarasota, Manatee, and Hillsborough Counties. Forecasts predict up to 6 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts expected.

"The storm’s movement and its heavy rain potential mean conditions will worsen into mid-week, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas," said NWS officials. Residents should be prepared for localized flooding, particularly in inland and coastal regions.

Messy Conditions Ahead for Florida's West Coast

In the coming days, conditions will remain unsettled. Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the region, with aviation warnings in effect due to reduced visibility and MVFR/IFR conditions at area airports, particularly overnight. Storm impacts will increase as Milton approaches, with little to no improvement in weather conditions before the storm’s arrival.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories are frequently updated by NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards radio. Please follow ThumbWind Publications for more local weather and news updates. Your helpful comments are welcome.

Follow Tropical Storm Milton's Potential Landfall Sites on Live Webcams

8 Live Bradenton Webcams & Latest Bradenton News & Weather - We will follow Hurricane Milton's track as it impacts Bradenton, Florida, near the Manatee and Braden Rivers.

13 Live Siesta Key Florida Webcams – Real-Time Siesta Key News & Weather - Stay up-to-date with the latest news, weather, and live views from Siesta Key, Florida.

4 Live Venice Florida Webcams, Latest Venice News & Weather Updates - Check out the real-time Venice Florida beaches, traffic, and weather.

4 Live Port Charlotte Webcams, Latest Port Charlotte News & Weather Updates - Track Hurricane Milton as it impacts Englewood, Port Charlotte, and Punta Gorda.