TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Milton has made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 3 storm, unleashing winds exceeding 100 mph (160 kph) and wreaking havoc on a region still recovering from Hurricane Helene. While Tampa avoided a direct strike, the storm caused significant damage in nearby St. Petersburg, where over 16 inches (41 centimeters) of rain fell, prompting urgent flash flood warnings.
Milton made landfall Wednesday night in Siesta Key, located approximately 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Tampa. The impact of the hurricane has created an ongoing emergency situation in the Tampa area, with residents experiencing widespread power outages—over 3 million homes and businesses reported lost electricity early Thursday.
Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, sustained severe damage as high winds tore through its fabric roof, leaving the extent of interior damage unclear. Additionally, a water main break in St. Petersburg forced the city to shut down water service, leaving residents without tap water amid the storm’s aftermath.
Prior to landfall, tornadoes touched down across the Sunshine State, including devastating impacts near Fort Pierce, where several homes were destroyed and lives were lost. Emergency management officials reported that approximately 125 homes were destroyed before the hurricane made landfall, particularly impacting mobile home communities for seniors.
As of Thursday morning, Milton had been downgraded to a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of about 85 mph (135 kph) and was approximately 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of Orlando. Heavy rains will likely lead to further flooding inland as the storm continues to move across Florida.
Milton’s destructive force arrives just weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western Florida, claiming at least 230 lives. With municipalities still engaged in debris cleanup, officials have stressed the urgency of evacuations as people brace for further potential disaster.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for 15 counties, with officials warning that first responders may not be able to conduct rescues during the storm’s peak intensity. Residents were advised to prepare for prolonged power outages and possible sewer system shutdowns.
Authorities have mobilized extensive resources, including 9,000 National Guard members and utility workers from across the nation, to assist with recovery efforts. Heavy rains and tornado activity were expected to persist, leading to severe flooding in multiple areas.
As the storm continues to impact communities, officials emphasize the need for safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury.
