Florida — Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida’s Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, bringing strong winds, storm surge, and widespread flooding to much of the state’s western coastline. As the storm exits Florida, now downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, the state is grappling with the aftermath, including significant damage, power outages, and a rising death toll.
Milton’s Path and Impact
Hurricane Milton made landfall with sustained winds of over 120 mph, primarily impacting areas like Siesta Key, Fort Myers, and Sarasota. The storm’s high winds and heavy rainfall caused dangerous storm surges, flooding homes and businesses across Pinellas County, Tampa Bay, and further inland. Orlando and nearby areas also experienced damage from tornadoes spawned by the storm, which tore through neighborhoods, downing trees and power lines.
Power Outages Across Florida
The Florida Power & Light (FPL) and TECO (Tampa Electric) outage maps reported widespread power disruptions, with more than 500,000 residents left without electricity. Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay were among the hardest-hit areas. Recovery efforts are underway, but many parts of Florida remain without power as repair crews work tirelessly to restore services.
Death Toll and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Early reports indicate a rising death toll from Hurricane Milton, with at least 12 confirmed fatalities. Authorities are conducting rescue operations, particularly in hard-hit coastal towns, where flooding has left many stranded. Governor Ron DeSantis stated that while Milton was a “significant storm,” Florida was spared the worst-case scenario, especially in comparison to past storms like Hurricane Ian.
Tornadoes Add to Destruction
In addition to the hurricane’s devastating winds, multiple tornadoes touched down in Florida, causing further destruction. Tornadoes in Palm Beach Gardens and parts of northern Florida added to the chaos, leaving a trail of damaged homes, cars, and uprooted trees.
Storm Surge and Flooding
Storm surges were particularly destructive in low-lying areas along the coast. Fort Myers Beach and Siesta Key saw severe flooding, with streets submerged and homes inundated. The National Weather Service warned that although Milton has moved offshore, lingering flood risks remain, and residents should stay alert for flash floods in the coming days.
What’s Next for Florida?
As Florida assesses the damage and begins recovery efforts, officials are urging residents to check power outage maps from FPL and TECO and avoid flooded areas. While the storm’s immediate threat has passed, rebuilding after Milton’s destruction will take weeks, if not months.
The next storm on the horizon is being monitored closely by meteorologists, as Florida continues to brace for what could be a particularly active hurricane season.
For live updates and footage from areas like Fort Myers Beach and Siesta Key, viewers can tune in to EarthCam or local news stations such as WESH and WFTV.