Updates, expected direction of Category 3 storm as tornadoes hit before landfall near Tampa, Florida this evening

As of 5 p.m. ET Wednesday, Hurricane Milton remained a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. The storm was located about 60 miles west-southwest of Sarasota and 170 miles southwest of Orlando, and “the center of Milton will make landfall near or just south of the Tampa Bay area,” according to the National Hurricane Center.

A Hurricane warning applies to:

• West coast of Florida from Bonita Beach north to the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay

• East Coast of Florida from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line north to Ponte Vedra Beach

A “hurricane warning” means that hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Precautions and preparations for people and property should be completed.

A Hurricane watch applies to:

A “hurricane warning” means that hurricane conditions are possible in the areas and is typically issued 48 hours before the expected hurricane.

A Tropical Storm Warning applies to:

• Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay

• Lake Okeechobee

• Florida's west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach

• Florida's west coast from north of the Suwannee River to Indian Pass

• East Coast of Florida south of the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to Flamingo

• North from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida to Edisto Beach, SC

• Far northwest of the Bahamas, including Grand Bahama Island, Abacos and Bimini

A “Tropical Storm Warning” means that areas are expected to experience tropical storm conditions within the next 36 hours.

A Storm surge warning applies to:

• Florida's West Coast from Flamingo north to Yankeetown, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay

• Sebastian Inlet, Florida, to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, including the St. Johns River

A “storm surge warning” means life-threatening flooding is expected in the designated area.