Hurricane Milton slams Florida, leaving trail of destruction

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, unleashing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and causing widespread devastation across the state.

The National Hurricane Center reported a "life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding" over Florida's central peninsula as the storm moved inland. Milton, which had intensified into a "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 hurricane earlier in the week, fluctuated between Categories 4 and 5 before making landfall. The storm's ferocity was fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, leading to its rapid intensification.

Power outages and wind damage

As Milton charged inland, power outages soared, leaving more than 2 million homes and businesses without electricity. In areas near Siesta Key, some counties reported over 70 percent of energy customers without power. Dangerous wind gusts exceeding 100 mph were recorded in multiple locations, including 107 mph in Venice and 105 mph at Egmont Channel.

Tornadoes and fatalities

Tragedy struck in St. Lucie County, where a tornado associated with Milton tore through a mobile home retirement community, resulting in multiple fatalities. Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed the deaths but did not provide an exact number, stating only that "more than one person" had lost their life. Hundreds of homes in the county were reported as "completely totaled."

Widespread destruction

The full extent of Milton's destruction will become clearer as daylight reveals the damage. Initial reports indicate flooded roads, flying debris, and significant home damage. In St. Petersburg, the storm shredded the roof of Tropicana Field and caused a tower crane to collapse into a building. Tampa experienced life-threatening flash flooding and transformer explosions.

Record rainfall

St. Petersburg saw unprecedented rainfall, with more than 16 inches falling in just three hours, marking a 1-in-1,000-year event. This deluge represents more than three months' worth of average rainfall for the city.

Milton's path and aftermath

As the storm moves into the Atlantic, it retains hurricane strength, with cities like Lakeland, Kissimmee, Orlando and Cape Canaveral in its path.

Governor Ron DeSantis noted that while the damage was extensive, it was not "the worst-case scenario." As Milton exits Florida, communities are left to grapple with the aftermath, compounded by the recent devastation from Hurricane Helene.

Looking ahead

As Milton continues its trajectory, federal forecasters warn of ongoing risks, including potential storm surges and flash floods. Recovery efforts are underway, with municipalities racing to clear debris and restore power to affected areas. The state remains on high alert as it assesses the damage and begins the long process of rebuilding.

Gabrielle Marston is a third-year student majoring in print and digital journalism. To contact her, please email gmm6030@psu.edu.