Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin on the west coast of Florida around midday Wednesday, spreading across the peninsula and reaching the east coast at night, the National Hurricane Center warns.

On Thursday, tropical storm conditions are expected in portions of the northwestern Bahamas. They are also possible on the Georgia and South Carolina coasts on Thursday, the NHC said.

Just one day ago, Hurricane Milton’s tropical storm-force winds extended out 80 miles from the center. Now, the storm’s winds spread 140 miles from the center.

This trend is expected to continue until landfall, with Milton expected to bring tropical storm-force winds to much of the Florida Peninsula throughout landfall.

Conditions will deteriorate across the state through the day Wednesday as Milton approaches, becoming widespread around midday. Hurricane conditions are expected in some areas beginning Wednesday evening through early Thursday and are possible in other areas on Thursday.

Hurricane Milton is still a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 160 mph, according to the 2 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center. The storm is located about 360 miles southwest of Tampa, moving northeast at 12 mph.

Along with the powerful wind gusts, heavy rainfall is expected for much of Florida. Flood watches remain in effect for nearly 20 million people, with 6 to 12 inches of rainfall and isolated totals up to 18 inches possible across central to northern Florida through Thursday.