What impact will Milton have on South Florida? Here is the path and the forecast

Milton On Sunday afternoon, the hurricane strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane and was forecast to make landfall Wednesday as a major hurricane from Tampa to Fort Myers.

Virtually the entire state is in the National Hurricane Center’s cone path, including South Florida. At 5 p.m., Milton was about 805 miles from Tampa, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.

The biggest threat to South Florida will be strong winds and rainfall.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered a state of emergency in 51 of the 67 counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe.

A flood warning is in effect in South Florida until Thursday morning. According to the NHC, there is a risk of “significant flash flooding, urban and real flooding, and the possibility of moderate to major river flooding.”

Rainfall totals of 5 to 8 inches, locally up to 12 inches, are expected in parts of the Florida Peninsula and the Keys through Wednesday night, according to the NHC.

The weather is getting worse tonight

Hurricane and storm watches may be required for parts of Florida tonight.

This will trigger heavy rain for the first time in South Florida.

The storm will be slow to move and organize overnight before expected to gain speed and strengthen between Monday and Tuesday.

According to CBS News Miami’s NEXT Weather Team, South Florida will receive a “double whammy” starting tonight, with a weaker and non-tropical depression then moving through the area into Monday.

Heavy rain again on Monday

Milton is expected to become a major hurricane – at least Category 3.

Lower pressure will pass through the area and heavy rain will continue.

The forecast highs will be in the 80s with winds of 10 to 15 mph. Lows in the upper 70s.

Rain showers will continue on Tuesday

Showers will continue with highs in the mid 80s and winds of 10 to 15 mph. According to the National Weather Service, there is a 60% chance of rain.

Lows in the upper 70s

Landfall forecast for Wednesday

Milton is expected to arrive on the Gulf Coast on Wednesday, bringing more heavy rain and windy weather to South Florida, likely the heaviest since the storm formed.

Depending on the path, Milton could bring tropical storm conditions to most of South Florida early Wednesday, although the Florida Keys could experience such conditions sooner.

The biggest threat to South Florida remains the risk of stormwater flooding, with 4 to 7 inches expected across the region.

Highs in the upper 80s and lows and lows in the mid 70s.

Better conditions on Thursday

According to the National Weather Service, it will be cloudy, with a 40% chance of rain in the morning and 30% at night.

Highs will be in the upper 80s and lows will be in the mid 70s.