Hurricane Milton Slams Florida Coast as Category 3 Storm, Leaving Widespread Damage

Hurricane Milton made catastrophic landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Siesta Key late Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 storm, bringing sustained winds of about 120 mph, dangerous storm surge and torrential rain. The system quickly battered coastal communities, flooding streets, damaging homes and businesses, and knocking out electricity for more than 2 million customers across the state.

Emergency officials reported multiple fatalities as rescue crews responded to calls from heavily impacted areas. In addition to wind damage, flash flooding has inundated low-lying neighborhoods and strained local infrastructure, with roads blocked by debris and power lines down in several counties. Authorities warned that conditions remained life-threatening even after the center of the storm moved inland.

Evacuation orders remained in effect in some areas as forecasters cautioned that Milton could continue to produce heavy rain, isolated tornadoes and further flooding across central Florida. State and local agencies urged residents to stay off roads, follow emergency guidance and avoid flooded areas while crews work to restore power and assess the full extent of the damage.