Hurricane Milton, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, has left more than 3 million people across Florida without power.
The Category 3 storm made landfall at Siesta Key near Sarasota on Wednesday evening, bringing winds of over 100 mph (160 kph) and causing widespread destruction.
Hurricane Milton: Destruction Leave 3 Million Floridians Without Power
The hurricane’s powerful winds and heavy rainfall have caused significant damage, with approximately 125 homes destroyed, many of them mobile homes in communities for senior citizens.
The storm also produced a barrage of tornadoes, adding to the chaos and destruction.
Read also: Why Did Tornadoes Appear Along with Hurricane Milton?
St. Petersburg recorded over 16 inches (41 centimeters) of rain, prompting the National Weather Service to issue flash flood warnings for western and central Florida.
Deaths Left By Hurricane in Florida
As of Thursday morning, around 3,245,549 customers, primarily across Central Florida, are without electricity. At least 4 deaths have also been reported due to Hurricane Milton, this in St. Lucie County, on the Atlantic coast of Florida.
Hillsborough County has been hit the hardest, with 100% of its tracked customers (430,747) experiencing power outages. Other heavily affected areas include Highlands County (59,271 customers) and Flagler County (50,053 customers).
#WATCH : Hurricane Milton has flooded Disney World in Orlando#flwx #hurricane #Milton #HurricaneWarning #HurricaneAlert #HurricaneMilton #DisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/IbDsBQZjro
— upuknews (@upuknews1) October 10, 2024
Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) has warned that Floridians could experience longer than normal restoration times following the storm.
Crews are working around the clock to restore power, but the extensive damage and ongoing high winds are complicating efforts.
