As Hurricane Milton threatens the Gulf Coast, local officials are warning Miamians about the potential for heavy rain, flooding and tropical storm-force winds beginning Tuesday night. The big picture: Milton strengthened "explosively" into a Category 5 storm Monday.

Several South Florida cities are offering their residents sand and sandbags to help keep their properties dry.

South Florida is preparing for the effects of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to storm through the central portion of the state this week. The region remains under a flood watch and could see winds of 39 mph to 57 mph,