Atlanta Living category interest

ATLANTA — Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. at Siesta Key, Florida, just south of Sarasota. It has weakened as it moves inland into the state.

At its peak, Milton reached max winds of 180 mph. Milton's max winds Monday increased 95 mph in a 24-hour period, one of the highest increases ever on record in a 24-hour period, only to be topped by Wilma in 2005 and Felix in 2007.

Many residents are bracing for dangerous conditions, with concerns mounting over leftover debris from Hurricane Helene that could become hazardous projectiles in Milton’s high winds.

What does this mean for Metro Atlanta and North Georgia?

No direct impacts for Metro Atlanta and North Georgia

Coastal areas under Tropical Storm Warning

Clear skies and mild weather expected in Atlanta

While Florida prepares for life-threatening conditions, Metro Atlanta and most of North Georgia will experience minimal direct impacts. Expect clear skies and temperatures in the upper 70s, with no major rain or wind expected for the region. However, coastal areas of Southeast Georgia—including Savannah and Saint Marys—are under a Tropical Storm Warning and may see gusty winds, scattered showers, and elevated tides.

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11Alive is tracking live impacts for metro Atlanta and north Georgia, including travel into the state as Floridians evacuate from the store. Stay tuned for updates.

Tracking Milton | Live Updates - Oct. 9

11 p.m. | 11Alive gave a breakdown of Milton's impacts and how evacuees are watching what's happening to their communities, hoping for the best.

10:23 p.m. | Hurricane Milton is weakening as it moves inland. It is now a Category 2 storm with max winds at 110 mph.

9:58 p.m. | 11Alive's Angelina Salcedo captured footage of Hurricane Milton's impact in Ybor City in Tampa.

9:19 p.m. | Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, said on X that first responders are ready to go as soon as weather conditions allow.

"Search and rescue efforts will be well underway to save lives before down, and they will continue for as long as it takes," DeSantis said.

9:10 p.m. | Chief Meteorologist Chris Holcomb gave an update on what’s next for the storm and any impacts for Georgia after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida.

9:05 p.m. | Bradenton Police in Florida took to X to post a video of conditions seen at 8:55 p.m.

8:32 p.m. | Milton makes landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 Hurricane with max winds of 120mph.

8:22 p.m. | Flooding can already be seen in downtown Tampa close to Amalie Arena. The wind and rain are expected to pick up soon.

5:30 p.m. | President Joe Biden delivered remarks at the White House. Watch his full remarks below.

4 p.m. | Hurricane Milton is now a Category 3 hurricane with wind speeds at 125 mph as it approaches Florida.

Latest 4p advisory below:

3 p.m. | Chatham County officials in Savannah held a news conference on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities added that they are monitoring the slight adjustments in the forecast track.

They added that they are in the readiness stage as the county is in a tropical storm warning and storm surge watch. Savannah can see high sustained wind gusts and coastal flooding that could occur during Thursday and possibly Friday after the storm passes through Florida.

Watch the full conference:

2:30 p.m. | 11Alive Meteorologist Melissa Nord gave an update on Hurricane as it maintains its status as a category 4 hurricane. Landfall is still expected late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

Watch her full update below.

1:46 p.m. | Flooding is already occurring in Tampa. Florida Highway Patrol wants to remind people not to drive through flooded roads or downed power lines.

1:45 p.m. | 11Alive's sister station, WTSP, is in Tampa, Florida. Here's a live look at the Tampa Convention Center.

11:33 a.m. | Officers in St. Pete are patrolling evacuated areas.

11 a.m. | Numerous tornadoes across the state were caught on camera, including a massive twister that crossed Alligator Alley on Interstate 75.

6 a.m. | Here is our latest update, read or watch below:

This morning, Hurricane Milton has reintensified into a powerful Category 5 storm, and most of Florida is bracing for its impact. The storm is expected to bring catastrophic storm surge, destructive winds, and heavy rain to parts of the state. During a press conference yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis reiterated evacuation orders for residents in the storm's projected path.

“You should be executing your plan now. If you’re going to get out, get out now,” DeSantis said, warning that time is quickly running out.

Bay Shore Boulevard, Tampa: 11Alive's Angelina Salcedo reports mandatory evacuation orders for parts of Tampa Bay. This region hasn’t seen a direct hurricane hit in over 100 years. However, after experiencing the effects of Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago, many residents are taking this storm more seriously.

Atlanta Motor Speedway, Ga.: Liza Lucas was live in Hampton, where evacuees are already camping out at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Families from Florida arrived as early as Tuesday, and more are expected as the storm moves closer.

Georgia Preparations: In response to Milton’s path, Governor Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency for counties in South Georgia and extended the emergency declaration for areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene.