Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast Wednesday evening as a powerful Category 3 storm, unleashing destructive winds, storm surge, and torrential rainfall across the state. The hurricane’s impacts are being felt far and wide, with nearly 2 million residents losing power, multiple tornadoes touching down, and catastrophic flooding unfolding in many areas.
Landfall and Current Status
Milton slammed into the coast near Siesta Key in Sarasota County around 8:30 PM EDT with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. As of 11:00 PM EDT, the center of the storm was located about 25 miles east of Sarasota, moving northeast at 14 mph. While Milton has weakened slightly since landfall, it remains a dangerous Category 2 hurricane with winds of 110 mph.The storm’s massive wind field is impacting much of the Florida peninsula, with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 230 miles from the center. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 60 miles from the eye.
Widespread Power Outages
One of the most immediate and widespread impacts of Hurricane Milton has been extensive power outages across Florida. As of midnight, nearly 2 million customers were without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us. The hardest-hit areas include:
- Tampa Bay region: Over 800,000 outages
- Southwest Florida: Approximately 500,000 outages
- Central Florida: Over 400,000 outages
- East coast: Around 200,000 outages
Utility companies have warned that some areas could be without power for days or even weeks due to the extent of wind damage and flooding. Crews are standing by to begin restoration efforts as soon as conditions allow, but officials stress that safety is the top priority.
Tornado Outbreak
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, its outer bands spawned numerous tornadoes across the southern and central parts of the state. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center reported at least 20 confirmed tornadoes as of Wednesday evening, with more possible overnight.Some of the most significant tornado damage has been reported in:
- Palm Beach County: Multiple tornadoes caused damage to homes and businesses
- Broward County: A tornado near Fort Lauderdale flipped cars and damaged structures
- Orange County: A tornado near Orlando International Airport caused damage to hangars and aircraft
- Polk County: Several tornadoes touched down, with one destroying mobile homes in Lakeland
The threat of tornadoes is expected to continue through Thursday as Milton tracks across the state. Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive warnings and be prepared to take shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.
Catastrophic Storm Surge
One of the most life-threatening aspects of Hurricane Milton has been the storm surge along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center warned of “catastrophic” storm surge of 8 to 12 feet above ground level in some areas, with the highest surge expected between Englewood and Bonita Beach.Early reports indicate significant inundation in coastal communities:
- Fort Myers Beach: Storm surge of up to 10 feet submerged much of the island
- Sanibel Island: Overwash and flooding cut off access to the barrier island
- Venice: Extensive flooding reported in low-lying areas near the coast
- Sarasota: Storm surge pushed several feet of water into downtown streets
The combination of storm surge and heavy rainfall is causing major flooding in many coastal and inland areas. Water rescues have already been necessary in some locations, and officials warn that the flooding threat will continue even as Milton moves away from the coast.
Torrential Rainfall and Inland Flooding
In addition to storm surge, Hurricane Milton is dumping tremendous amounts of rain across Florida. Rainfall totals of 10 to 15 inches are widely expected, with isolated amounts up to 20 inches possible. This deluge is leading to widespread flash flooding and river flooding.Some of the heaviest rainfall totals reported so far include:
- Sarasota: 12.5 inches
- Tampa: 9.8 inches
- Orlando: 8.3 inches
- Fort Myers: 11.2 inches
Flash flood warnings are in effect for much of central and eastern Florida. The National Weather Service is warning of “life-threatening” and “catastrophic” flooding in some areas. Residents are urged to avoid travel and move to higher ground if experiencing flooding.
Impacts on Transportation
Hurricane Milton has severely disrupted transportation across Florida:
- Airports: Tampa International, Orlando International, and Southwest Florida International airports are closed. Many other airports have canceled flights.
- Highways: Portions of major highways, including I-75 and I-4, are closed due to flooding and debris.
- Bridges: Several coastal bridges are closed due to high winds, including the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay.
- Public transit: Bus and rail services are suspended in most affected areas.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines and local transportation authorities for the latest updates.
Evacuation and Shelter Information
Prior to Milton’s landfall, over 2.5 million Floridians were under evacuation orders. While it’s now too late to evacuate in most areas, those who did not leave are urged to shelter in place and avoid venturing outside until the storm passes.Over 200 emergency shelters are open across the state, housing tens of thousands of evacuees. Many hotels inland are also at capacity with coastal residents who fled the storm.
Ongoing Rescue and Response Efforts
As conditions allow, first responders and search and rescue teams are beginning to assess damage and respond to emergency calls. However, officials stress that it may take time to reach all affected areas due to dangerous conditions and blocked roads.The Florida National Guard has activated over 5,000 personnel to assist with response efforts. Additionally, FEMA and other federal agencies are mobilizing resources to support state and local authorities.
Looking Ahead: Milton’s Future Track
Hurricane Milton is expected to continue moving northeast across Florida through Thursday morning. While the storm will weaken as it moves over land, it is forecast to emerge into the Atlantic Ocean as a hurricane later on Thursday.The storm’s impacts will be felt well beyond Florida:
- Georgia and the Carolinas can expect heavy rain, strong winds, and possible tornadoes on Thursday and Friday.
- The Northeast may see impacts from Milton’s remnants over the weekend, potentially including heavy rain and coastal flooding.
How to Stay Safe and Informed
As Hurricane Milton continues to impact Florida and beyond, residents in affected areas should:
- Follow all instructions from local officials
- Stay indoors and away from windows during the storm
- Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including a battery-powered NOAA weather radio
- Be prepared for extended power outages
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways
- Be cautious of downed power lines and other hazards after the storm passes
For the latest information on Hurricane Milton, rely on trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center, local National Weather Service offices, and state and local emergency management agencies.The recovery from Hurricane Milton will likely be a long and challenging process for many communities. As the immediate threat from the storm passes, attention will turn to assessing the full extent of the damage and beginning the rebuilding process. The resilience of Floridians will undoubtedly be tested in the days and weeks to come, but as with past storms, the state will come together to support those most affected by this historic hurricane.