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.

South Florida is preparing for the effects of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to storm through the central portion of the state this week. Cities are setting up sandbag distribution sites for

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