About our Hurricane Milton news
Latest news on Hurricane Milton, covering its path, intensity, impacts on Florida, evacuations, power outages, and recovery efforts after landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm.
Hurricane Milton, the second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on 9 October as a Category 3 storm. The hurricane, which peaked as the fifth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record with winds of 180 mph (285 km/h) and a pressure of 897 mbar, has caused widespread destruction across Florida's west coast, coming less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the state's Big Bend region.
As of 10 October, Milton has left over 2.6 million homes and buildings without power across Florida. The storm spawned at least 19 confirmed tornadoes before landfall, with a record 126 tornado warnings issued throughout the state. Multiple fatalities have been reported in St. Lucie County due to tornado activity. The hurricane's impact extended beyond wind damage, with storm surge and flooding affecting coastal areas. Notable structural damage includes the partial destruction of Tropicana Field's roof in St. Petersburg.
Prior to landfall, Milton prompted one of the largest evacuation orders in Florida's history, with an estimated six million residents urged to leave their homes. The storm's approach led to widespread closures of schools, universities, airports, and theme parks across the state. President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida and postponed a planned overseas trip to oversee preparations and response efforts.
Milton's path of destruction began in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, where it caused flooding, power outages, and structural damage. The hurricane's effects were also felt in Cuba, with western regions experiencing strong winds and flooding. As Milton moves across Florida, concerns now turn to potential impacts in Georgia and the Bahamas, where preparations are underway.
As recovery efforts begin in the hardest-hit areas, attention focuses on the challenges ahead, including power restoration, debris removal, and addressing the immediate needs of displaced residents. Stay tuned to our NewsNow feed for the latest updates on Hurricane Milton's aftermath, ongoing rescue operations, and the long-term implications for affected communities along its path.