Hurricane Milton/ Florida storm damage/ Florida power outages/ hurricane storm surge/ Florida tornadoes/ Newslooks/ TAMPA/ Fla./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hurricane Milton tore across Florida, leaving four dead, 3 million without power, and extensive damage in its wake. The storm unleashed tornadoes, severe flooding, and surges up to 10 feet in areas like Sarasota. Despite sparing Tampa a direct hit, the hurricane’s path left significant destruction, prompting evacuation orders and emergency rescues.
Hurricane Milton Slams Florida, Leaving Destruction and Fatalities – Quick Looks
- Fatalities and Power Outages: Four reported deaths and over 3 million homes and businesses without power.
- Storm Path and Impact: Made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, avoiding a direct hit on Tampa.
- Flooding and Tornadoes: Heavy flooding, particularly in Plant City and tornado activity across southern Florida.
- State Response: Gov. Ron DeSantis deploys 9,000 National Guard members and utility workers; major theme parks remain closed.
Hurricane Milton Hits Florida, Causing Destruction and Fatalities
Deep Look
Hurricane Milton swept across Florida and moved into the Atlantic on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and severe weather across the state. The Category 3 storm made landfall late Wednesday near Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa, sparing the city a direct hit but still impacting millions. With sustained winds and surges reaching up to 10 feet in Sarasota, Milton created significant disruption, adding to Florida’s recent struggles following Hurricane Helene.
Deadly Impact and Statewide Disruptions
Milton’s intense winds and heavy rain caused severe damage in Sarasota and surrounding counties, with at least four fatalities reported due to tornadoes in St. Lucie County. Power outages impacted more than 3.2 million homes and businesses, with downed power lines and debris making many areas unsafe. In Plant City, just inland from Tampa, floodwaters reached unprecedented levels, with emergency teams rescuing 35 people overnight. “Flooding in parts of the city is absolutely staggering,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said.
The powerful storm also wreaked havoc in Tampa and St. Petersburg. A main water line break in St. Petersburg forced the city to suspend water service, leaving residents without access. The storm’s winds even shredded the fabric roof of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, and toppled cranes in several locations. Rescue teams worked through the night, evacuating 15 people from a damaged home in Tampa struck by a falling tree.
Evacuations and Emergency Preparedness
In response to the impending hurricane, Florida’s emergency services mobilized across the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed the deployment of 9,000 National Guard members, 50,000 utility workers from as far away as California, and numerous law enforcement units to escort fuel supplies for evacuation. DeSantis praised the efforts and noted that although Tampa avoided the worst-case scenario, much of the area saw up to 18 inches of rain.
Some Floridians had difficulty evacuating due to limited hotel availability and rising costs. Sarasota resident Jackie Curnick explained the challenges her family faced as they decided to ride out the storm at home. With two young children, they were reluctant to leave without secure accommodations. “There are only so many roads north or south in Florida,” Curnick said. By Thursday morning, her family was safe but without power.
Tornadoes and Other Severe Weather
Milton unleashed multiple tornadoes across southern Florida before making landfall, with some of the worst impact near Fort Myers and the Everglades. Tornadoes tore through communities, snapping trees, dismantling gas station canopies, and wreaking havoc in senior communities. In St. Lucie County, at least 125 homes were destroyed, many in mobile home communities, officials reported.
Rising Storm Surges and Continued Flood Warnings
Florida’s Gulf Coast remains vulnerable to dangerous storm surges and potential flooding as waters could rise further in coming days. With Sarasota experiencing surges up to 10 feet, conditions remain hazardous. In Hillsborough County, Sheriff Chad Chronister advised residents to stay indoors due to fallen power lines, downed trees, and flooded roads, promising updates when it was safe to move around.
The threat of surges extended up Florida’s east coast into Georgia, where storm-surge warnings remain active. Areas affected by Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago now face renewed damage, with streets littered by remnants from previous storms, exacerbating Milton’s impact.
Broad Economic Impact and Resource Strain
Widespread outages left Tampa and St. Petersburg gas stations strained, with over 60% reporting fuel shortages on Wednesday night. DeSantis assured residents that statewide fuel supplies were stable, but logistical challenges continued in impacted areas.
Major theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, remained closed on Thursday as officials assessed damages and recovery times. In areas like Charlotte Harbor, which saw nearly 5 feet of water from Helene just weeks ago, residents evacuated again, uncertain of what they might return to. Josh Parks, an auto technician in Charlotte Harbor, described the scene as grim: “I told [my roommate] to pack like you aren’t coming back.”
Looking Ahead
Though Milton has now passed, the road to recovery will likely be long for many Florida communities. Floodwaters could take days to recede, and extensive power restoration efforts are underway. Local governments have urged caution, encouraging residents to check with officials before attempting to return to impacted areas. With continued rain in some regions and potential flood risks, Florida’s emergency teams remain on high alert.
As Florida works to recover from Hurricane Milton, a powerful storm season continues to test the state’s resilience. Community efforts to rebuild and restore services will be essential in the coming weeks, as residents adapt to this season’s toll and brace for potential future challenges.
