The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) described the bruising Category 5 storm as  'potentially catastrophic' for Florida's western coastal communities — with trackers forecasting that Milton will plow northeast before turning sharply east into Tampa. 

Tampa Bay and surrounding communities are bracing for storm surges as high as 15 feet leading to flooding inland as residents attempt to flee amid traffic congestion.

All across the Florida counties caught in Milton's northeast path, rainfall is expected to reach five-to-10 inches with some regions likely to face as much as 15 inches.

Weather data visualization firm Ventusky is actively synthesizing meteorological data to chart and predict Hurricane Milton's trajectory via their tracker, below.

These heavy rains are expected to bring flash flooding, slow and more persistent 'areal' flooding, overwhelmed storm drain systems, and 'moderate to major river flooding,' according to the the World Meteorological Organization. 

Milton astonished forecasters with its ability to evolve in less than three days from a tropical depression or cyclone — with no more than 38 mph wind speeds — into a potentially record-setting and deadly Category 5 hurricane.

NHC officials noted that there are signs that the hurricane may weaken as it transits the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, downgrading to a still-punishing Category 3 before it makes landfall Wednesday.

'While fluctuations in intensity are expected, Milton is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through landfall in Florida,' the NHC warned.

Cities along the west Florida coast, from Spring Hill to the north to Cape Coral in the south, including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Venice, are all set to face the worst of Hurricane Milton's impact as it charges through the state Wednesday.