WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane late Wednesday night on Florida's west coast, coming ashore near Siesta Key in Sarasota County at approximately 8:30 p.m.
The storm was downgraded to a Category 1 storm with 85 mph winds, according to the Thursday 8 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center. The center of Milton is pulling away from the east coast of Florida.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
A hurricane warning has been canceled for St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, but they are now under a tropical storm warning, along with Martin County. Meanwhile, a tropical storm warning for Palm Beach County has been dropped.
In addition, a wind advisory has been issued for Palm Beach County until 4 p.m. Thursday, meaning wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible.
WPTV First Alert Weather chief meteorologist Steve Weagle said tropical storm force winds will still be felt throughout the day on Thursday.
"The wind is gonna be gusting for most of the day," Weagle said. "You're gonna be surprised at how long the gusty winds stick around."
Here are the conditions we can expect for our viewing area on Thursday:
- Damage by Wednesday's tornado outbreak
- Tropical storm force winds throughout the day
- Hurricane force winds in the Treasure Coast, eventually tapering off by the afternoon
- Spotty rain
