But what do we know about the hurricane so far and what does it signify for individuals in its path?
Milton is currently traveling at 9 mph (14 kph) in the direction of the United States, drawing energy from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
When it makes landfall on Florida’s west coast on Wednesday, the Tampa Bay area is predicted to experience winds as high as 129 mph.
Positively, Milton is predicted by scientists to weaken significantly before making landfall and to avoid the states that were devastated by Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago due to its passage through central Florida.
What is the storm surge warning?
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a storm surge warning and hurricane warning for Tampa Bay as of Tuesday AM due to the possibility of three to four meter surges.
Peak storm surge levels, according to the NHC, would occur between the Anclote River and Englewood, a distance of around 100 miles that encompasses Tampa as well as other islands and keys.
