Tropical Storm Milton is gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico.

As of Sunday morning, Milton had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and is moving east southeast at 6 mph. A tropical storm watch has been issued for the northern Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

Milton is expected to be at or near major hurricane strength when it makes landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday. Heavy rain is expected along and north of landfall with life-threatening coastal flooding from storm surge expected along and south of landfall.

Parts of the Sunshine State could see more than 10 inches of rain this week. The heaviest rain will likely target Central Florida.

It is too early to say with confidence where Milton will make landfall. Milton could make landfall anywhere from Cedar Key to Marco Island. Coastal communities from Tampa Bay to Key West should prepare for storm surge from Milton and take any future evacuation orders seriously.