Hurricane Milton: Tropical Storm Warning Issued Along GA's Coast

GEORGIA — Part of southeast Georgia is under a tropical storm warning and a storm surge watch as Hurricane Milton marches from the Gulf of Mexico toward the west coast of Florida.

Milton is expected to steamroll central Florida, specifically the Tampa Bay area, between Wednesday and Thursday. At its 11 a.m. update, the National Hurricane Center said winds will increase Wednesday afternoon in portions of Florida.

Milton's latest track pinpoints the Category 4 system about 190 miles from Tampa. Its maximum sustained winds were holding steady at 145 mph.

The system has begun to produce tornadic supercells, which have swept across the southern Florida peninsula.

"The time to prepare, including evacuate if told to do so, is quickly coming to an end along the Florida west coast," the NHC said.

The National Weather Service said Milton will weaken as it crosses land and ventures into the Atlantic Ocean on Friday. The system will then continue to head east, but its impacts could be felt several hundred miles from its center.

Forecasters told Patch this week that Milton is not expected to drive through Georgia; however, its wind field could tropical storm-force winds and wind speeds could reach 45-50 mph along the coast.

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The tropical storm-force winds could begin to blow Thursday morning and continue into the afternoon. Winds will then weaken through Thursday night, the NWS said.

Peak winds may enter speeds of 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph. At this speed, trees and power outages can be downed.

The NWS predicted flooding for coastal Georgia; however, at its latest update, the NWS said "there is little or no potential of flooding rain."

Even with this sentiment, the NWS issued a flood warning for the Ogeechee River near Eden until early Monday afternoon - predicting minor flooding for the area.

"At 12.0 feet, water encroaches on some homes along Dashers Landing Road and Yarbrough Landing Road. Davis Landing Road also becomes impassable," the NWS said in the alert.

On Wednesday, the NWS issued a tropical storm warning for Savannah, Tybee Island and Ossabaw Island. These areas were also placed under a storm surge watch.

Storm surge inundation, at its highest, could reach 2-4 feet above ground between Thursday morning and Friday evening. The NWS advised any evacuation efforts and flood preparations need to be finalized ahead of unsafe conditions.

Several buildings near the coast could be damaged in the storm, and saltwater inundation could occur near immediate shorelines and in low-lying areas further inland in Georgia, the NWS said.

Escape routes sitting close to the shore and any secondary roads may be washed out, and moderate to major beach erosion may arise with heavy surf breaching dunes, the NWS said.

Marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers may sustain minor to moderate damage.

Forecasters noted all Georgia beaches are at risk for high rip currents until 8 p.m. Wednesday. A high surf advisory will go into effect from midnight-8 p.m. Friday.

No tornadoes are expected in Georgia with Milton.