David Knowles
Milton full coverage: Hurricane downgraded to post-tropical cyclone, with at least 10 people killed, 3 million left without power in its destructive path
The National Hurricane Center continues to warn about "life-threatening storm surge."
At least 10 people were killed in Florida as tornadoes from Hurricane Milton ripped through the state, officials said on Thursday.
More than 3 million homes and businesses in Florida were without power after the storm, Milton was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone on Thursday. It made landfall late Wednesday as an "extremely dangerous" Category 3 storm near Siesta Key.
The roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was ripped off by severe winds.
Milton is currently moving northeast off Florida's coast and continues to pack 75 mph winds, the National Hurricane Center said in its 4 p.m. ET update.
"There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the coast from east-central Florida northward to southern Georgia," meteorologists said.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER172 updates
2 Florida tornado victims identified
Two Floridians killed Wednesday afternoon when a tornado hit Fort Pierce were identified by a relative, the New York Times reported.
They are Alejandro Alonso, 66, and Mary Grace Viramontez, 70.
The pair had been dating and were killed when a tornado spawned by the arrival of Hurricane Milton ripped through the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, according to Victor Linero, Alonso's grandson.
- David Knowles
EPA shares tips on safely returning to a flooded home
The Environmental Protection Agency shared tips Thursday on returning safely to a home if it was flooded during Hurricane Milton.
The agency's website has a list of suggestions for entering and cleaning up a mess left behind in a flood. Under an entry titled "Before You Enter," for instance, the EPA offers the following guidance: "Look for things like roofs that sag in the middle or at the ends, walls that are not straight, missing support columns, new cracks in the exterior, or leaning of basement walls, crawlspaces, or piers. If you see any of these, assume the building is unsafe. Don't climb or go into the building until it has been verified by a qualified professional as safe to enter."
Read more from the EPA.
- David Knowles
House Speaker Johnson says it is 'premature' to call Congress back to pass further disaster relief
House Speaker Mike Johnson rebuffed President Biden's suggestion that Congress be called back into session to pass further authorization for disaster relief spending, saying doing so would be "premature."
"They have tens of billions of dollars sitting in FEMA," Johnson told NBC News on Thursday. "That's what's needed right now in the states that are affected."
Johnson added, "It's going to take them a number of weeks to ... assess the damage levels. When they get the numbers ... Congress will act immediately."
Earlier in the day, Biden was asked whether Congress should come back early from its recess to pass more disaster funding.
"I think Congress should move as rapidly as they can, particularly on the most immediate need, which is small business," Biden said.
- Kate Murphy
Here's how to help victims of Hurricane Milton
In the wake of Hurricane Milton's path, millions are without power, homes, vehicles and infrastructure. It all comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene's destruction at the end of September. While federal and state agencies are working to help local communities across Florida, here are some ways to help those in need:
National support includes donating to the American Red Cross, which supports shelters for people who have evacuated their homes. If you are able, you can also make an appointment to donate blood via the Red Cross website.
The Florida Disaster Fund distributes money to service organizations that help with recovery and disaster response throughout the state.
The Federal Trade Commission also has some helpful tips on how to spot scammers who pose as charities accepting donations.
Read more from NBC News about other ways to help.
- Nicole Darrah
Coast Guard rescues man 'clinging to cooler' off Florida coast
The U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday said a helicopter crew "rescued a man clinging to a cooler" in the Gulf of Mexico, around 30 miles out from Longboat Key, Fla.
#Breaking An @USCG Air Station Miami 65 helicopter crew rescued a man clinging to a cooler approximately 30 mi. off Longboat Key.
The man was taken to Tampa General Hospital for medical care.
Sector St. Pete lost communications w/ the man at approx. 6:45 p.m., Wed. #SAR pic.twitter.com/64wSHuRAeH— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) October 10, 2024
- Yahoo News Photo Staff
Photos show heartbreaking Florida tornado damage
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said during Thursday's White House briefing that 27 tornadoes touched down in Florida as a result of Hurricane Milton, which is believed to be the cause of 10 deaths thus far. The tornadoes that sprang from the storm also wreaked havoc in areas like Fort Myers and Wellington.
- Nicole Darrah
At least 340 people rescued across Florida, DeSantis says
At least 340 people and 49 pets have been rescued in the wake of Hurricane Milton, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a press briefing on Thursday afternoon.
"Hundreds of rescuers" were working on over 120 search and-rescue missions across 26 of Florida's 67 counties, DeSantis added.
Of the more than 3 million homes and businesses currently without power, DeSantis said that 880,000 utility customers have had their power restored by linemen working around the clock.
- Dylan Stableford
Tampa Bay Lightning's home opener postponed in Milton's wake
The Tampa Bay Lightning's home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday has been postponed due to Hurricane Milton's effects on the Tampa area, the NHL announced Thursday. A makeup date will be announced at a later time.
Milton had already forced the Lightning to evacuate to Raleigh, N.C., ahead of Friday's season opener against the Hurricanes. And as Yahoo Sports notes, a number of Lightning "experienced property damage after Hurricane Helene affected the area."
Our game on Saturday vs. Carolina at @AmalieArena has been postponed as the Tampa Bay region recovers from the effects of Hurricane Milton. A new date will be announced at a later time.
Our thoughts are with all those affected. 💙
Info: https://t.co/SGrvXgwe8e pic.twitter.com/V1cFQ21evo— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) October 10, 2024
- Kate Murphy
What's the status of Florida's major airports?
Hurricane Milton forced the closure of several Florida airports and caused thousands of flight cancellations. Here's the latest on when they'll reopen:
Orlando International Airport: Departures will begin again on Friday, Oct. 11, with a few domestic flight arrivals Thursday night. "Please don't come to the airport for a departing flight tonight," the airport said in an X post.
Palm Beach International Airport: It has reopened as of 1 p.m. ET Thursday. The airport advises travelers to check with the airline before coming to the airport.
Southwest Florida International Airport: It remains closed on Thursday and is expected to resume operations on Friday, Oct. 11, according to its website.
Tampa International Airport: It remains closed on Thursday. It will reopen at 8 a.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 11, according to the airport's post on X.
Miami International Airport: It is open on Thursday, but flights have been affected by the storm. The airport advises travelers to confirm the status of their flight with the airline.
- Dylan Stableford
Biden to Trump: 'Get a life, man. Help these people.'
At the end of his remarks on the administration's hurricane response, President Biden was asked by a reporter whether he had spoken to former President Donald Trump, who has amplified the false claim that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has diverted disaster relief funds to house migrants in the United States.
"Are you kidding me?" Biden said before turning to the camera and appearing to address Trump directly. "President Trump — former President Trump: Get a life, man. Help these people."
As Biden walked away, he was asked if he planned to speak to Trump.
"No," he said.
- Kate Murphy
Biden says Congress should move 'as rapidly as they can' for Small Business Association funding
President Biden gave an update on the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on Thursday and was asked by a reporter how much time Congress has before FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and SBA (Small Business Administration) funding runs out.
Biden focused on the funding needs of SBA, which FEMA partners with. According to the FEMA website, the SBA "offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters in a declared major disaster area. You don’t need to own a business to apply for SBA assistance."
Biden said that while FEMA "has its needs," the SBA funding is "right at the edge right now."
When asked directly if he thinks Congress should come back early, Biden replied, "I think Congress should move as rapidly as they can, particularly on the most immediate need, which is small business."
Biden added that he has not spoken to House Speaker Mike Johnson about calling Congress back into session before the election.
- Yahoo News Photo Staff
Photos: Homes destroyed by Milton
With cleanup and restoration efforts already underway across Florida, photos and videos of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton continue to emerge.
These images show toppled homes in several beach communities on Florida's west coast where Milton came ashore.
- Dylan Stableford
Milton is now a 'post-tropical cyclone,' NHC says
In its 2 p.m. ET advisory, the National Hurricane Center said Milton is now a post-tropical cyclone as it continues to move away from Florida's east coast.
The storm, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, is about 200 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral.
Tropical storm conditions continue for portions of the Southeastern U.S. coastline, the hurricane center said, and a storm surge warning remains in effect from the Flagler-Volusia County line in Florida to Altamaha Sound, Ga., including the St. Johns River.
- Kate Murphy
Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas: 'We have 10 confirmed fatalities'
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said during Thursday's White House press briefing that Hurricane Milton's arrival in Florida had resulted in at least 10 deaths.
"We have 10 confirmed fatalities, our understanding is that those fatalities were caused by the tornadoes," Mayorkas said. "But I just want to introduce a little bit of tentativeness to that because of the fluidity of the situation and how nascent it is. It is our job to make sure that that number doesn't climb through valiant search and rescue efforts, but we are dealing in the immediate aftermath of a terrible hurricane and many, many tornadoes ancillary to it."
- Dylan Stableford
Biden convenes Situation Room meeting on federal hurricane response
President Biden is holding a Situation Room meeting Thursday with Vice President Kamala Harris and various members of the administration about the federal response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to a statement from the White House press office.
The president and his administration are discussing the "role that the Department of Defense and Coast Guard are playing in support of FEMA’s mission," the statement read. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and General Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are among the participants.
Biden is scheduled to speak about Milton from the White House later Tuesday afternoon.
Earlier, Biden spoke with numerous Florida officials, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, about helping the state's recovery efforts.
- Kate Murphy
Disney prepares to reopen Florida theme parks on Friday
Walt Disney World indicated on its website Thursday afternoon that it is preparing to reopen its Florida theme parks and the Disney Springs shopping district on Friday, Oct. 11.
Its theme parks, Disney Springs and parking garages remain closed on Thursday.
- Kate Murphy
Palm Beach International Airport reopens; travelers advised to check with airlines
Palm Beach International Airport announced that as of 1 p.m. ET it had reopened, but also noted that some flights had been canceled and advised travelers to check with their airline before heading to the airport.
Oct. 10, 1:00 p.m.: PBI has reopened. There are still some cancellations so check with your airline before coming to the airport. Plan to arrive two hours before your scheduled departure. Limited shopping and dining available. 🌀✈️ #FlyPBI #HurricaneMilton pic.twitter.com/a4Ud79h7VM
— Palm Beach International Airport (@flyPBI) October 10, 2024
- Kate Murphy
DeSantis says there are currently about 3.4 million power outages across the state
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a Thursday news conference that the state has had "massive power outages, which was expected." He said there are currently about 3.4 million homes and businesses without power, while power has been restored to 700,000 customers since the start of the storm. He likened the number of outages to Hurricanes Ian and Irma.
"Just do the math, over 4 million have lost power since the start of the storm," DeSantis said.
- Kate Murphy
Gov. DeSantis confirms 5 deaths as a result of Hurricane Milton
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced at a news conference in Fort Pierce Thursday that five deaths, all in St. Lucie County, have been confirmed as a result of Hurricane Milton.
- Kate Murphy
Drone video shows Tampa highway with major flooding
After Hurricane Milton brought storm surges and torrential rain, roadways in the Tampa area are flooded, leaving them impassable to motorists.
Drone video captured by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday shows the floodwater damage
(@HCSOSheriff via Storyful)
- Dylan Stableford
Water rescues continue in Milton's wake
Search and rescue efforts continued in Florida Thursday morning after Hurricane Milton tore across the state.
In Pasco County, just north of Tampa, officials said 22 people have been rescued from floodwaters so far.
Members of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Chris Nocco, Pasco County Fire Rescue and the National Guard are participating in ongoing water rescues due to flooding from the Anclote River in the area of Mitchell Blvd and Little Rd. Efforts are ongoing and… pic.twitter.com/LAHTINuiTM
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) October 10, 2024
In Hillsborough County, the sheriff's office posted video of first responders rescuing a 14-year-old boy who was "submerged in floodwaters and floating on debris."
Sheriff Chad Chronister and #teamHCSO's Marine Unit rescued a 14-year-old boy who was submerged in floodwaters and floating on debris following Hurricane Milton. pic.twitter.com/mOInO7ZM0j
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) October 10, 2024
At a press conference earlier Thursday, state officials said at least 40 rescues were conducted overnight.
- Kate Murphy
How to stay safe while using a portable generator after the storm
Now that Hurricane Milton has passed, the National Hurricane Center listed some safety tips to follow regarding generator safety and downed power lines.
Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, which can kill someone within minutes
You should only use a portable generator when outside, away from openings to your home
Your house should have a working CO detector that's battery-operated
After the storm safety tips: In addition to following these generator safety best practices (image), please make sure to stay far away from any downed powerlines in your area. Sadly, we often lose folks after hurricanes who don't follow these important safety reminders. pic.twitter.com/b6rmuk0Kbd
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2024
- Dylan Stableford
At least 5 tornadoes confirmed from Milton: NWS
Hurricane Milton spawned dozens of reported tornadoes before making landfall in Florida.
In what it called a "very preliminary overview," the National Weather Service said early Thursday that it has been able to confirm five tornadoes through "photographic or video evidence."
The weather service had issued dozens of tornado warnings and watches across south Florida ahead of the storm.
Several confirmed tornadoes developed yesterday associated with Milton. Here's a very preliminary overview of the tracks of these tornadoes. pic.twitter.com/TBwo4x3R0k
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 10, 2024
- Kate Murphy
Tampa International Airport still closed, hopes to announce reopening plans later Thursday
Tampa International Airport remained closed to the public on Thursday morning, but officials hope to announce plans to reopen later Thursday.
According to FlightAware.com, 460 flights in and out of Tampa International were canceled as of Thursday morning
🌀 DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS UNDERWAY 🌀
✅ Crews are assessing damage post-Hurricane Milton
🛑 TPA remains closed to the public
📢 We hope to announce a reopening plan later today
📲 Stay tuned to our social media for official updates pic.twitter.com/flaV11PJKT— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) October 10, 2024
- Yahoo News Photo Staff
Scenes from Milton's destruction
After Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida's Gulf Coast Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm, it brought a new wave of destruction to an area reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in late September. As daylight came Thursday, the aftermath revealed Milton's destruction from tornadoes, high winds and storm surge. Here's a look at the some of the devastation:
- Kate Murphy
Biden and DeSantis spoke this morning after Milton made landfall in Florida
President Biden spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday morning and "reiterated that he will provide any support the state needs to speed response and recovery," according to the White House press office.
The White House said DeSantis thanked Biden for the federal support and will survey the impacts of Hurricane Milton with FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell. Criswell plans to brief the president afterward.
- Dylan Stableford
Pinellas County lifts shelter-in-place order
Officials in Pinellas County have lifted the shelter-in-place order they issued earlier in the day but are still urging residents to stay home if possible and exercise extreme caution if they choose to drive.
"Large number of traffic signals are inoperable due to widespread power outages in Pinellas County," the sheriff's office wrote in a post on X. "Please remember to treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as a four-way stop. Watch for workers clearing debris."
- Dylan Stableford
Biden urges people impacted by Milton to 'stay inside and off the roads'
President Biden is urging people in areas of Florida affected by Milton to "stay inside and off the roads" while rescue and recovery efforts are underway, echoing similar messages from state and local officials.
To everyone impacted by Hurricane Milton: I urge you stay inside and off the roads.
Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions.
Help is on the way, but until it arrives, shelter in place until your local officials say it’s safe to go out.— President Biden (@POTUS) October 10, 2024
- Dylan Stableford
Construction crane collapses in downtown St. Petersburg
A construction crane fell in St. Petersburg on Wednesday night as Hurricane Milton made landfall, causing extensive damage to a downtown office building that houses multiple companies, including the Tampa Bay Times.
No injuries were reported, according to the paper.
NEW: We’re outside of our office building right now in downtown St. Petersburg, where dozens have gathered to take pictures of the crane that fell last night.
As the sun came up, here’s how it looks @TB_Times: pic.twitter.com/xFCIsyypDW— Max Chesnes (@MaxChesnes) October 10, 2024
According to Fox 13 in Tampa Bay, the crane "fell off of a building that has been under construction for about two years and would be the tallest building in St. Petersburg."
Earlier this week, St. Petersburg officials said that the city was concerned about the cranes but that it would take specialized crews too long to remove them before the storm made landfall.
- Dylan Stableford
DeSantis: 'Thankfully, this was not the worst-case scenario'
At a press conference in Tallahassee early Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said search and rescue operations and damage assessments are occurring across the state in Milton's wake.
"What we can say is the storm was significant, but thankfully, this was not the worst-case scenario,” he said.
But the governor also urged residents to be cautious as they begin the process of cleaning up.
"We have post-storm fatalities almost every storm, and a lot of these fatalities are avoidable," DeSantis said.
- Dylan Stableford
Hurricane Milton destroys roof of Tropicana Field
Hurricane Milton tore much of the roof off of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., shortly after the storm made landfall on Wednesday night.
Videos and photos posted to social media showed large portions of the roof flapping in the wind and then being torn away.
The roof of Tropicana Field, where the #Rays play, sustained significant damage from #Hurricane #Milton pic.twitter.com/H7zZAgD8BN
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) October 10, 2024
The stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was being used as a staging area for first responders. No injuries were reported.
According to the team's media guide, the roof is made of "translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass" and "supports itself with 180 miles of cables connected by struts."
"It is built to withstand winds of up to 115 miles per hour," the media guide says. According to the National Weather Service, peak winds of 101 mph were observed in St. Petersburg on Wednesday night.
Read more from Yahoo Sports: Roof at Rays' Tropicana Field ripped off as storm makes landfall
- Nicole Darrah
More than 3.3 million without power in Florida
The number of homes and businesses without power in Florida surpassed 3.3 million on Thursday morning.
During a press conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that since Hurricane Milton hit Florida on Wednesday, more than 600,000 outages have been restored.
DeSantis noted that the counties of Hillsborough, Hardy, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota saw "significant" outages. He also said that more than 50,000 linemen are ready to restore power in Florida.
- Nicole Darrah
At least 4 people killed in St. Lucie County, local officials say
At least four people were killed by tornadoes in St. Lucie County, Fla., on Wednesday, the sheriff's office said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.
Sheriff's officials in St. Lucie County previously said "multiple fatalities" were reported at the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, a senior community in Fort Pierce, after tornadoes touched down in the area.
- Dylan Stableford
Storm surge warning discontinued for Florida's west coast but remains in effect for east coast
The National Hurricane Center said early Thursday that the storm surge warning for Florida's west coast has been discontinued but that it remains in effect for much of Florida's east coast and part of southern coastal Georgia.
Up to 5 feet of storm surge is possible from Sebastian Inlet, Fla., to Altamaha Sound, Ga., and up to 4 feet along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, the hurricane center said.
- Nicole Darrah
Hurricane Milton moving away from Florida's east coast: NHC
The National Hurricane Center said that as of 8 a.m. ET, the center of Hurricane Milton was "pulling away from the east coast of Florida."
Forecasters wrote in the latest advisory that "strong gusty winds and heavy rainfall" were still unfolding in the area, however, as Milton was still packing 85 mph winds around 75 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral.
"Gradual weakening is expected, but Milton is forecast to become a powerful extratropical low tonight," according to the bulletin.
- Nicole Darrah
More than 2,200 flights canceled today
More than 2,200 flights have been canceled because of Hurricane Milton as of Thursday morning, according to FlightAware.com.
At Orlando International Airport, 92% of the flights were canceled, and at Tampa International and Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers, 90% and 96% of the flights, respectively, were canceled.
- Nicole Darrah
Photos show flooded streets, storm debris after Hurricane Milton passes through
- Nicole Darrah
Crane collapses in St. Petersburg
A construction crane collapsed in downtown St. Petersburg on Wednesday night as Hurricane Milton tore through the area. Video shows the crane down on the street, surrounded by debris. According to local Fox affiliate WTVT, city officials said no one was injured in the collapse.
- Nicole Darrah
Tampa mayor: 'It's not over'
The mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor, told reporters on Thursday morning that even though Hurricane Milton is moving away from Florida, "it's not over."
Castor said that while it's "pretty calm out there right now," the city has still seen "extensive damage." Once the sun comes out, she said, utility workers will start working to get power restored for Hillsborough County, which has reported more than half a million customer outages.
“At 7:00 this morning, when high tide comes in, rivers are going to flood all over Hillsborough County, not just in the city of Tampa," the mayor said. She pleaded with residents to "please stay inside" while officials assess the damage and "make sure it's safe for you to go back out into your community."
- Nicole Darrah
Multiple fatalities reported in St. Lucie County after tornadoes touch down, sheriff says
St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson said that "multiple fatalities" were reported at the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, a senior community in Fort Pierce, after tornadoes touched down in the area on Wednesday, WPTV reported.
Pearson also said, according to WPEC, that a facility within the sheriff's headquarters was destroyed by what he described as a "devastating tornado."
A video shared on the St. Lucie County Facebook page on Thursday appeared to show a tornado passing through a parking lot. "While Hurricane Milton has left our area, St. Lucie County experienced significant damage from multiple tornados that impacted our area," the post read. "First responders and public works/utility crews are conducting [recovery] efforts."
- Dylan Stableford
Pinellas County residents ordered to stay off roads
Even though the storm has passed, residents in Pinellas County, Fla., woke up to an emergency alert on their phones ordering them to shelter in place to allow first responders to complete rescue and recovery efforts.
"Many roads impassable due to downed power lines, fallen trees, debris," the alert said. "YOU MUST STAY OFF THE ROADS until advised otherwise by county officials."
Emergency alert just went out, asking local residents to stay sheltered and off the roads, with extensive damage across Tampa Bay. They want to make sure roads are cleared so emergency response crews can access the damage this morning. #Milton pic.twitter.com/KivvLB77y9
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) October 10, 2024
St. Petersburg, located in Pinellas County, saw over 17 inches of rain after Milton made landfall Wednesday night, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood emergency. Local news outlet WTSP described the rain as a "1-in-500-year flooding event" for the city.
- Dylan Stableford
Milton is moving off Florida's east coast
In its 5 a.m. ET advisory, the National Hurricane Center said Milton is moving off Florida's east coast but "still producing damaging hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall" in the east-central part of the state.
Milton, now a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, is about 10 miles northeast of Cape Canaveral and is moving northeast at 18 mph.
The storm is expected to move away from Florida and north of the Bahamas.
And there is a sliver of good news for those along the Gulf Coast: "All Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings have been discontinued for the west coast of Florida," the advisory said.
- Nicole Darrah
More than 3 million without power in Florida
As of 6:15 a.m. ET, more than 3.2 million utility customers were without power in Florida, according to PowerOutage.us.
Archie Collins, the president and CEO of Tampa Electric, told CNN on Thursday morning, "We have an unprecedented number of our customers who are without power."
He noted the fact that the eyewall of Hurricane Milton traveled through Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, and called it "a game changer."
- Kate Murphy
Florida Highway Patrol rescues dog tied to a fence
Florida Highway Patrol officers came to the rescue of a dog that was tied to a fence in Tampa.
"Do NOT do this to your pets please," the agency said in a post on X.
The dog was doing well after he was rescued, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Update: The dog rescued by @FHPTampa is safe and receiving care. Troopers brought him to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health. pic.twitter.com/cut1jv7cBe
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) October 9, 2024
- David Knowles
How Hurricane Milton has impacted Florida so far
Hurricane Milton lived up to its billing as a dangerous storm when it came ashore on Wednesday. Here's a recap of the damage it caused.
Milton made landfall Wednesday at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET in Siesta Key, Fla., the National Hurricane Center said
Milton had sustained winds of 120 m
The storm unleashed heavy rains in the Tampa region, with St. Petersburg getting over 5 inches of rain in a single hour and more than 16 inches over 24 hours
A storm surge of several feet was reported south of Siesta Key in towns like Venice and Punta Gorda
Prior to Milton's landfall, at least 19 tornadoes touched down in the state and a record number of tornado warnings were issued
Flash flood emergencies were issued in several cities and towns, and sprang up along the I-4 corridor as the storm headed toward Orlando
As of midnight ET, more than 2 million Florida residents and businesses were without power
- Mike Bebernes
More than 1.9 million Florida homes and businesses now without power
Over 1.9 million utility customers were without power in Florida as of 11:30 p.m. ET, according to PowerOutage.us.
- David Knowles
Fabric roof of Tropicana Field is left in tatters
After Hurricane Milton hit Tampa Bay with heavy rainfall and strong winds, the fabric roof of Tropicana Field, where the Tama Bay Rays baseball team play, was left in tatters.
Video posted by WFTS meteorologist Jason Adams captured the damage.
OMG. We all had a collected gasp when we saw this from our reporter. The fabric on the roof of Tropicana Field is shredded. #StPete #Milton pic.twitter.com/36UKLO9cK6
— Jason Adams (@JasonAdamsWFTS) October 10, 2024
- David Knowles
Flash flood emergencies expanding across I-4 corridor, NWS says
Flash flood emergency declarations, the most severe flood warning issued by the National Weather Service, are following the path of Hurricane Milton as it pushes along Florida's I-4 corridor, the agency said late Thursday.
"Flash Flood Emergencies are expanding across the I-4 corridor. This situation is extremely rare and only issued for a severe threat to life due to flooding," NWS said in a post to X.
The agency urged Florida residents in the region to take the following steps:
Stay where you are; do not drive
Plan for water to rise and have a path to higher ground
Call 911 if you need emergency help
Flash Flood Emergencies are expanding across the I-4 corridor. This situation is extremely rare and only issued for a severe threat to life due to flooding. Additional emergencies may occur as #Milton moves across the I-4 corridor in Florida so keep these in mind:
- Absolutely… pic.twitter.com/QzKrMSrj53— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 10, 2024
On its website, the NWS says that flash flood emergencies are issued for "the exceedingly rare situations when extremely heavy rain is leading to a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is happening or will happen soon. Typically, emergency officials are reporting life-threatening water rises resulting in water rescues/evacuations."
- Mike Bebernes
Video shows the moment Milton makes electrical transformers explode
Footage captured by the dashcam of a Lee County sheriff’s deputy shows multiple electrical transformers bursting simultaneously across the tree line.
While patrolling in 3rd precinct, one of our deputies caught this video of transformers exploding due to #hurricanemilton pic.twitter.com/KkWKRURJxR
— Carmine Marceno - Florida’s Law and Order Sheriff (@SheriffLeeFL) October 10, 2024
The storm has left an estimated 1.6 million homes and businesses in Florida without power, according to PowerOutage.us.
- Mike Bebernes
Updated watches and warnings from NWS
The National Weather Service has released an updated list of ongoing warnings for Florida.
As of 11 p.m. ET, a storm surge warning is in effect for
Florida's west coast from Flamingo northward to Anclote River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay
Sebastian Inlet Florida to Altamaha Sound Georgia, including the St. Johns River
A hurricane warning is in effect for
Florida's west coast from Bonita Beach northward to Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay
Florida's east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach
A hurricane watch is in effect for
Lake Okeechobee
Florida's east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to the Palm Beach/Martin County Line
A tropical storm warning is in effect for
The Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay
Lake Okeechobee
Florida's west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach
Florida's west coast from north of Suwanee River to Indian Pass
Florida's east coast south of the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to Flamingo
North of Ponte Vedra Beach Florida to Edisto Beach South Carolina
Extreme northwestern Bahamas, including Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos, and Bimini
Cover thumbnail photo: Mike Stewart/AP