Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm, bringing devastating winds and flooding to Florida's Gulf Coast. Originating in the Gulf of Mexico, Milton intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 within 24 hours, alarming meteorologists and residents alike.
The storm struck Siesta Key near Sarasota, unleashing winds over 160 km/h and causing a reverse storm surge that temporarily drained Tampa Bay. Despite initial fears of catastrophic flooding, the storm's intensity diminished before landfall, leading to a downgraded status of Category 2 by the following day.
Tragically, at least 12 lives were lost, with many fatalities attributed to tornadoes spawned by the hurricane. The National Weather Service issued over 126 tornado warnings as the storm approached, leading to significant destruction across the state.
In Hillsborough County, emergency crews rescued approximately 200 individuals from floodwaters, including a teenager found clinging to debris. While the storm's impact was severe, officials noted that the worst-case scenarios were largely avoided, highlighting the importance of evacuation orders that likely saved many lives.