Darkness fell as the storm roared ashore on Florida’s Gulf Coast, unleashing deadly tornadoes and relentless flooding that left millions powerless, shattering communities in its wake.
Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, Florida, on October 10, around 8:30 in the evening.
A warning sign appears as Hurricane Milton bears down on the Gulf Coast in Sarasota, Florida, on October 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
With winds exceeding 120 mph and torrential rain, the hurricane left a path of devastation, resulting in power outages for more than 1.1 million homes and businesses, particularly in Sarasota, Manatee, and Hardee counties.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) urged residents in an official Facebook post to “continue to shelter in place & remain vigilant [sic].”
As Hurricane Milton approached, multiple tornadoes ripped through St. Lucie County, causing severe damage and fatalities. Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed “multiple fatalities” at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community near Fort Pierce.
Tornado spotted in Florida, shared on October 10, 2024 | Source: YouTube.com/fox4news
The exact number of deaths remains unknown as search and rescue teams continue to comb through the area. “They are listening for life,” Pearson said, describing efforts to find survivors amid the wreckage.
St. Lucie County has suffered extensive damage. Emergency responders are working around the clock to assist those affected. Statewide, approximately 125 homes were confirmed destroyed, mainly in senior mobile home communities, according to FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie.
Governor Ron DeSantis reported that the storm triggered 116 tornado warnings across the state, with 19 confirmed tornado touchdowns, emphasizing the widespread impact of Hurricane Milton.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis talks to the press in Lake City, Florida, ahead of Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, St. Petersburg has experienced unprecedented flooding, with more than nine inches of rain falling in just three hours—a rare one-in-1,000-year event. The city was included in the National Hurricane Center’s October 9 flash flood emergency, which also covered Tampa and Clearwater.
A vehicle sits at a flooding intersection in St. Petersburg, Florida, on October 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The advisory reported that St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport recorded 16.61 inches of rain that day, causing life-threatening conditions. It also noted wind gusts reaching 102 mph at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and 105 mph at Egmont Channel. At that time, Hurricane Milton was 20 miles northeast of Sarasota, moving east-northeast at 16 mph.
Given these severe conditions, the National Weather Service warned that life-threatening flash flooding was imminent, as this amount of rainfall typically occurs over three months. Emergency alerts advised residents to seek higher ground and avoid flood-prone areas.
State and local authorities have launched an extensive emergency response, deploying task forces and rescue teams across affected regions. Sheriff Pearson emphasized, “Our No. 1 goal is life safety,” as rescuers continue to search for those who may be trapped under debris.
The situation remains critical as Hurricane Milton moves inland, weakening slightly but still posing significant threats. Residents are urged to stay informed and follow official guidance as Florida confronts the storm’s aftermath.
