Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday near Siesta Key, Florida, bringing devastation as a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds. The storm’s powerful force battered the state’s west coast before moving eastward. It has since been downgraded to a Category 1 storm, but the damage has been overwhelming.
In a somber update, St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson shared the heartbreaking news during an appearance on Fox Weather, confirming 17 tornadoes, multiple fatalities, and hundreds of homes destroyed in the area. Rescue efforts are ongoing as the community grapples with the destruction.
This tragic event follows closely after Hurricane Helene, which ravaged parts of Florida and North Carolina just two weeks prior. Many Floridians had barely finished boarding up windows and evacuating their homes when Milton arrived.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Milton could be one of the most destructive hurricanes to ever hit west-central Florida. By early Thursday morning, more than 2 million people were left without power, with a staggering 300,000 losing it in just one hour.
Adding to the fear and uncertainty, the storm is expected to produce a historically severe storm surge, with wind gusts surpassing 100 mph over the next 36 hours. Forecasts predict storm surges of 10 to 15 feet along the central western coast, threatening further devastation.
Authorities have urged residents to shelter in place, with the northern eyewall of Milton spreading its dangerous winds over the region. Rescue efforts are hampered by deteriorating weather conditions, preventing first responders from reaching those in need during the worst of the storm.
As thousands of National Guard members stand by for post-storm rescues, President Biden has declared Florida a disaster area to mobilize federal resources. The state faces yet another daunting recovery, as communities brace for the long path ahead after Milton’s destructive path.