Hurricane Milton Slams Florida Near Siesta Key as Category 3 Storm

Hurricane Milton made catastrophic landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on Wednesday night as a powerful Category 3 storm, bringing sustained winds of about 120 mph, dangerous storm surge, and torrential rain to the state’s Gulf Coast. The storm knocked out power to more than 2 million customers and triggered multiple tornadoes across parts of Florida, compounding the damage as it moved inland.

Emergency officials reported widespread flooding in coastal communities, with storm surge reaching as high as 10 feet in some areas. Heavy rainfall added to the threat, inundating streets, homes, and low-lying neighborhoods. Authorities also said significant structural damage has been reported in several locations, though full assessments are still underway.

Residents in the storm’s path were urged to remain sheltered in place as Milton continued to advance inland. Local and state agencies warned that life-threatening conditions could persist for hours, including strong winds, flash flooding, and additional tornado activity. Crews are preparing to begin rescue and recovery operations as soon as conditions allow, while officials continue to monitor the storm’s impact across the region.