On October 10, 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, subsequently weakening to a Category 2. The hurricane has resulted in severe impacts, including 19 reported tornadoes and multiple fatalities, particularly among the elderly population in St. Lucie County.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph), posing ongoing risks to the region. Flooding has been reported in the Tampa Bay area, with rainfall rates reaching up to 13 cm (5 inches) per hour. Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pinellas counties are under flash flood warnings as emergency services respond to the crisis.
Over 1.5 million residents across Florida are without electricity due to the storm, according to PowerOutage. The situation has been exacerbated by the tornadoes that struck before Milton's arrival, causing significant damage in communities like Spanish Lakes Country Club, where multiple deaths have been confirmed.
Authorities are currently conducting search and rescue operations in affected areas, with reports indicating catastrophic damage to dozens of homes. The full extent of the casualties and damage is still being assessed as the storm continues to impact the region.
Source: vanguardia.com.mx, October 10, 2024