TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Hurricane Milton made landfall on the U.S. coast on October 10, 2024, bringing torrential rain, tornadoes, and winds exceeding 120 mph, threatening the lives of millions in Florida. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm's center struck Siesta Key in Sarasota County around 8:30 PM, marking a significant event as the Tampa Bay region faces its first major hurricane in over a century.
As the hurricane approached, officials issued urgent evacuation orders for 15 counties, impacting approximately 7.2 million residents. The storm is expected to cause catastrophic flooding, with rainfall totals projected between 6 to 18 inches across central and northern Florida. Emergency services have been suspended in several areas, and residents have been warned to prepare for long power outages and potential infrastructure failures.
Governor Ron DeSantis detailed the deployment of 9,000 National Guard members and other resources to assist in evacuation efforts and provide aid. He acknowledged the likelihood of fatalities due to the storm's severity. As of late afternoon, the hurricane had slowed slightly but continued to pose a grave threat to the state.
Milton's impact is compounded by the recent devastation from Hurricane Helene, which left at least 230 dead across the South. With emergency services overwhelmed, residents are urged to remain indoors if they are unable to evacuate.
Source: Associated Press, October 10, 2024.