Latest on Milton: Expanding Milton heading for Fla.

Hurricane Milton's effects are already rolling across Florida with conditions worsening through tonight and into Thursday midday. Milton has weakened slightly but will remain a dangerous hurricane upon landfall.

Current forecasts are zeroing in on Milton making landfall somewhere between Sarasota and Tampa Bay. The highly populated and vulnerable Tampa and St. Petersburg metropolitan area is within the danger zone of all of Milton's threats.

Here are the latest threats:

Storm Surge

As with Helene, destructive storm surge is likely with Milton. Onshore flow along the powerful hurricane’s eastern and southern flank will cause gulf water to rise and surge into many of the connected Florida bays, including Tampa Bay, as the hurricane approaches and makes landfall late Wednesday.

Water level rises exceeding 10 to 15 feet cannot be ruled out in the Tampa area. This will flood many of the beach communities, islands and low-lying parts along the Gulf Coast. Causeways and bridges could flood too, cutting off escape routes for coastal communities. Residents in flood zones need to follow local official notifications and evacuate if ordered

High winds

The fiercest winds will occur along the length of the Florida Gulf Coast from Fort Myers northward through the Tampa Bay area and to just south of the Big Bend. Winds more than 130 mph along the coast and 100 mph inland will topple trees, knock out power to millions along the I-4 and I-75 corridors. Roof damage will be likely in homes near where the hurricane makes landfall.

Flooding

In addition to coastal flooding due to storm surge, tropical downpours will dump more than 15 inches of rain from the coast inland across central and northern Florida as Milton moves across the Florida Peninsula.

This deluge will cause flooding in many low-lying areas. If you are traveling, make sure to turn around and don’t drown.

Tornado

The outer rainbands often produce rapidly developing and quick-moving tornadoes. These twisters often are wrapped in downpours, so they are hard to see.

Tornado watches have been posted for southern Florida amidst the first wave of outer bands rolling ashore.

The Weather & Radar Task Force Hub has been activated and meteorologists will continue to monitor Milton’s movements over the next several days and provide frequent updates. Our on-the-ground reporter, Jonathan Petramala, is in the Tampa area and will be providing frequent video reports.