Milton's tropical storm force winds are forecast to continue through Thursday, the NWS said. Residents are advised not to venture out.

With the clock ticking, residents rush to find sandbags, supplies before the powerful storm's expected Wednesday arrival

Residents should finish final preparations by Tuesday for a major storm that could bring flooding and hurricane force winds to Volusia-Flagler.

Potentially flooding rains could start as early as Wednesday afternoon, NWS states. Final preparations should be complete.

This is the place for the latest news and developments for Hurricane Milton as it approaches Lee County and the Southwest Florida coast.

As of 5 a.m. Thursday, Hurricane Milton was still a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.