**Hurricane Milton Set to Hit Florida, Heightened Flood Threat Predicted**

Residents of Florida are bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall later this week. Currently categorized as a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico, Milton is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm over the weekend and strengthen further into a hurricane by Monday morning.

Forecast models suggest that Hurricane Milton could arrive on the Florida Peninsula as early as Wednesday. It's possible that the storm will achieve Category 2 status or higher before making landfall.

Florida is already experiencing significant rainfall due to an unrelated weather system, with expected accumulations of 2 to 5 inches over the weekend. This preexisting saturation sets the stage for a heightened risk of flooding when Milton arrives. Experts warn that five-day rainfall totals could surpass 10 inches in some areas by the time the hurricane passes through the state.

The combination of heavy rains and powerful winds from Milton has local authorities preparing for potentially severe weather conditions. Residents are urged to monitor updates and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches.