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Hurricane Milton made landfall Wednesday night, wreaking havoc along Florida’s west coast near Sarasota, causing widespread destruction, power outages, and tragic fatalities. The powerful Category 3 storm hit the coastline at Siesta Key at approximately 8:30 p.m. EDT, with winds reaching up to 115 mph. The catastrophic storm has left almost 3 million people without power and caused severe damage across the state.
Power Outages Impact Millions
As of 3:50 a.m. Thursday, 2.9 million customers were reported to be without power, according to Poweroutage.us. The number of people losing power has been steadily increasing throughout the night as the storm made its way across the Florida peninsula. 50,000 utility workers are on standby, ready to restore power once conditions allow it to be done safely.
Despite weakening as it moves inland, Hurricane Milton is expected to retain hurricane strength as it crosses the state and moves into the Atlantic. The storm has already left a path of destruction, with extensive damage reported in several regions.
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Tornadoes and Fatalities Reported Across Florida
In addition to wind and rain, the storm also spawned multiple tornadoes across Florida, compounding the devastation. In St. Lucie County, Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed that tornadoes had torn through the Spanish Lakes Country Club senior community, resulting in multiple fatalities. Deputies have been going door-to-door, checking on residents and listening for signs of life.
“This is a weather event like none other,” Pearson said. He also noted that a 10,000-square-foot red iron building at the sheriff’s office, which houses patrol cars, was destroyed by the tornado.
In Palm Beach County, tornadoes triggered numerous 911 calls just before 5 p.m., with firefighters rescuing multiple individuals trapped under debris or stuck in vehicles. Some victims suffered serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals. In total, at least five people, including three trauma victims, were taken to hospitals, while many others sought treatment for minor injuries.
Severe Damage Along Florida’s Coastlines
In Martin County, located along Florida’s eastern coast, dozens of homes were reported damaged, with some severely affected. Several injuries, ranging from minor to serious, were also reported. Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg, located near Tampa, officials confirmed two critical incidents—a collapsed crane at a construction site and damage to the roof of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Large sections of the stadium’s roof were torn off, though no injuries were reported.
Additionally, a water main break in St. Petersburg forced officials to shut off the city’s water supply. A boil water notice was issued for all residents as the city worked to repair the damage.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
In a press conference prior to landfall, Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, revealed that 125 homes, primarily mobile homes, have been completely destroyed by the storm. Emergency teams, including 9,000 National Guard personnel from Florida and neighboring states, are on high alert, prepared for extensive search-and-rescue operations once conditions stabilize.
Florida is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just last month, killing over 230 people and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The added toll of Hurricane Milton has created a dire situation for the state, straining resources and emergency services.
Tornado Warnings and Government Response
As the storm approached, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that the state had issued 116 tornado warnings, with 19 confirmed tornado touchdowns. He emphasized that “massive amounts” of search-and-rescue equipment and personnel were ready for deployment, expressing hope that the need for those services would be minimal. However, the scope of the storm’s destruction suggests that recovery efforts will be both extensive and prolonged.
At the federal level, President Joe Biden has been briefed on the impacts of Hurricane Milton by Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. In response to the hurricane, the President canceled planned trips abroad and assured Floridians that the federal government stands ready to assist.
Conclusion
As Hurricane Milton batters Florida, the full scale of the destruction is still unfolding. With nearly 3 million people without power, widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and reports of fatalities and injuries, the recovery process will be long and challenging. Emergency teams are prepared to step in once conditions improve, but for now, the state is focused on ensuring the safety of its residents.
Florida’s fight with nature continues as it deals with the aftermath of two devastating hurricanes in quick succession. As search-and-rescue efforts ramp up and power crews work to restore electricity, the state faces significant challenges in rebuilding and moving forward from this latest catastrophe.
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