As Hurricane Milton moves away from Florida, the devastation it left in its wake is staggering, with six people confirmed dead and widespread destruction. Flooding wasn’t the only concern; Milton also triggered 19 confirmed tornadoes, with nine sweeping through South Florida even before the hurricane made landfall.
The terrifying images of a tornado near the I-95 are a testament to the storm's ferocity. Communities like Fort Myers, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie experienced catastrophic damage from these tornadoes. Milton made landfall on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane, striking the western coast of Florida near Siesta Key, just south of Tampa, and carved a path of destruction across the state.
Widespread Damage Across Florida
The hurricane's powerful winds tore the roof off Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, which had also been serving as a shelter. In St. Petersburg, a crane toppled from the top of a building, severely damaging the structure that houses the Tampa Bay Times. Even Disney World in Orlando wasn't spared, with social media showcasing its iconic entrance submerged under floodwaters.
Communities Hit Hard
For many residents, especially those in St. Lucie County, the aftermath was devastating, with at least four lives lost due to the tornadoes. In St. Petersburg, two more fatalities were reported, bringing the death toll to six, though authorities fear this number may rise. Homes across St. Lucie County, including Port St. Lucie and surrounding areas, suffered significant damage.
In Venice, located in Sarasota County, some beachfront properties were literally consumed by sand. The hurricane left over three million people without power, according to PowerOutage, with Pinellas, Manatee, and Hillsborough counties being the hardest hit. St. Petersburg also faced water supply issues due to the storm.
Lingering Threats and Rescues
Flood warnings and flash floods remain a threat due to the immense rainfall from Milton. In Palm Beach, five individuals sustained injuries, while in Tampa, emergency responders rescued 16 people trapped under fallen trees. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as Florida begins its recovery efforts.