This browser does not support the Video element.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 35 of Florida's 67 counties ahead of Tropical Storm Milton, which is expected to rapidly intensify in the Gulf of Mexico and could become a major hurricane as it nears Florida's west coast.
The following counties are under a state of emergency: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.
- Tropical Storm Milton live updates: Gulf storm forecast to hit Florida as major hurricane: NHC
- Tropical Storm Milton live tracker: Latest cone, spaghetti models, forecast, Florida impacts
- Where to get sandbags in Central Florida
- Gov. DeSantis declares state of emergency for 35 Florida counties ahead of Tropical Storm Milton
Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a dangerous hurricane that could bring life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding to not only Florida's Gulf Coast, but Central and Southern Florida.
Several counties in Central Florida have begun opening sandbag locations, so residents can prepare.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX 35 News app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV