TIMELINE: Hurricane Milton impacts across Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hurricane Milton continues to push closer to our coastline, and the impacts begin well before landfall.

THROUGH 2 P.M.

Rounds of downpours are expected across the Tampa Bay area as the rain bands pass through. Winds gradually increase as well, and tropical storm-force winds reach the coast. Some isolated tornadoes are possible in these rain bands.

THIS EVENING

The center of Milton is less than 100 miles from the coast, and damaging wind gusts begin. Power outages become more widespread at this time.

TONIGHT

The strongest winds make it to the coast. The winds howl, and torrential downpours continue. Coastal Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties begin to feel the eye wall.

OVERNIGHT

This is when landfall is expected. Storm surge of 10-15 feet is expected in the areas about 50 miles south of the eye at landfall. This is higher than a single-story home.

As Milton tracks inland, hurricane-force winds reach east of I-75 and into Polk County by early Thursday morning. There will be a path just north of the eye that receives 12-18 inches of rainfall. This rainfall accumulation will likely lead to flooding into homes.

Communities along the shores of Tampa Bay may see the bay waters pushed out of its banks. In Pinellas County, bayside cities may see water surge 3-5 feet above ground.

For Hillsborough County, the south shore may experience a 6-9 foot water rise.

THURSDAY MORNING

Hurricane force winds are pushing east through Polk County and reaching Florida’s east coast. It dries out quickly behind the center of circulation, so rainfall will quickly end in the morning.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Less humid air arrives, but a few quick, light showers are possible.

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