Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene reached Florida, the state must prepare for Hurricane Milton as it gears up to strike this week.

Milton is weakening slightly but remains a ferocious storm that could land a once-in-a-century direct hit on Tampa and St. Petersburg, engulfing the populous region with towering storm surges and turning debris from Helene into projectiles.

Here’s what Marylanders should know.

When will Milton hit land?

Milton is expected to hit the west coast of Florida late Wednesday. By then, it is predicted to be a Category 3 storm with winds of 111 to 129 mph. The hurricane remained offshore early Tuesday. In Mexico, power lines, light poles and trees were knocked down near the coast, and some small thatched-roof structures were destroyed, according to Yucatan Gov. Joaquín Díaz, but he did not report any deaths or injuries.

How is Florida preparing?

People are evacuating in the Tampa Bay area, including surrounding counties, while crews are working quickly to clear debris from Helene. Tampa International Airport stopped its flights Tuesday morning, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is a mandatory evacuation zone. That airport will close after the last flight Tuesday.

Is Milton going to affect Maryland?

Milton is not expected to hit Maryland, according to the National Hurricane Center’s Live Hurricane Tracker. The National Weather Service hasn’t predicted that Maryland will see any impacts of the hurricane. Wednesday in the Baltimore area is expected to be sunny and clear.

What is Maryland doing to help?

The American Red Cross’ National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region chapter is sending people to the west coast of Florida, said Scott Marder, a regional communications manager for the nonprofit, in an emailed statement. Trained disaster responders from the Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and Virginia regions began deploying Monday to help set up evacuation shelters, Marder said.

“We will continue to devote resources in anticipation of the storm and will be there afterward to help families recover from the anticipated destruction,” Marder said. “Some 2,100 Red Crossers are also working tirelessly to provide safe shelter, food, water and support to families struggling with unimaginable wreckage caused by Helene.”

The Red Cross is working with partners and local officials throughout the South for long-term recovery support for those impacted by Helene and Milton, the American Red Cross said in a Monday news release.

Anyone who wants to help can visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Baltimore Gas and Electric is sending 15 crews to Tampa, Florida to help repair the damage expected with Hurricane Milton, according to a news release. The crews are leaving Wednesday at 6 a.m. from Piney Orchard Service Center.

The company will send 40 employees including lineworkers, fleet specialists, safety and other support personnel to help restore power to those impacted by the storm. Before Hurricane Milton, BGE and Exelon will assist networks with answering calls for help from utilities in the path of the storm, according to the release.

Got a news tip? Contact Tony Roberts at troberts@baltsun.com, 443-623-1817 or @TonyRobAegis on X.