- Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm.
- Over 19 tornadoes were confirmed, destroying homes in multiple counties.
- Power outages affected more than 3.2 million people across the state.
Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida on Wednesday night, unleashing heavy rain, destructive winds, and multiple tornadoes. The storm made landfall near Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa, causing widespread damage.
Although Tampa was spared from a direct hit, nearby Sarasota County experienced the worst storm surge, with waters rising 8 to 10 feet.
Hurricane Milton’s Devastation: Tornadoes, Power Outages, and Lives Lost
Authorities are still assessing the full impact of the storm, but the aftermath has been severe. At least four people lost their lives, and homes in several counties were destroyed by tornadoes. Despite early concerns about catastrophic flooding in Tampa, water levels were not as high as those caused by Hurricane Helene two weeks prior. Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged the extensive damage but said Florida avoided the worst-case scenario.
While Tampa initially prepared for a direct hit, the city was spared from the worst of the storm. Officials in Tampa Bay noted that the water levels remained lower than expected, although other areas were not as fortunate. Communities in Sarasota and Hillsborough Counties experienced significant flooding and wind damage, and search and rescue operations are underway in these regions.
The aftermath of the storm left over 3.2 million customers without power, according to utility reports. First responders were forced to evacuate staging areas, including Tropicana Field, where fierce winds tore apart the stadium’s fabric roof. Across the state, residents are urged to remain indoors as emergency services clear debris and assess damaged infrastructure.
Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the media, stating that Florida had avoided the most catastrophic outcomes but warning that the danger is not over. Residents along Florida’s east coast and in neighboring states, such as Georgia and South Carolina, are still under storm surge and tropical storm warnings as Hurricane Milton moves further into the Atlantic.
Though the worst-case scenario was avoided, Hurricane Milton’s destruction remains widespread, with damage assessments and recovery efforts continuing. Florida now faces the long road to recovery.
“Florida was not spared from the storm’s fury, but we avoided the worst-case scenario.” – Governor Ron DeSantis
