Hurricane Milton Leaves 9 Dead and Millions Without Power in Florida
Hurricane Milton barreled through Florida’s southeast overnight, unleashing destructive tornadoes, powerful winds, and torrential rain, leaving devastation in its wake. As of Thursday morning, the death toll stands at nine, and millions are grappling with widespread power outages.
The storm made landfall on Florida’s west-central coast late Wednesday as a formidable Category 3 hurricane, but it quickly weakened to a Category 1 as it surged across the state. St. Lucie County bore the brunt of the destruction, confirming four deaths linked to tornadoes triggered by the hurricane.
“Countless homes and structures, particularly in Port St. Lucie and nearby areas, have suffered extensive damage,” St. Lucie County officials said in a statement. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors and avoid the roads, warning that any unnecessary movement could hamper critical emergency response and recovery efforts.
Volusia County reported three storm-related fatalities, including one tragic incident in which a tree collapsed, killing a resident. Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg, two more lives were lost due to the severe weather conditions, according to reports from NBC News.
In a post on X, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shared the staggering impact of the storm, revealing that over 3 million households are currently without electricity.
Hurricane Milton marks the fifth significant storm to hit the Gulf Coast in 2024, with Florida enduring the wrath of three of these major hurricanes. As Milton moves out into the Atlantic, the aftermath across Florida remains severe, with authorities urging caution as recovery efforts begin.
HURRICANE MILTON: Passes through El Salvador, gaining strength
A fisherman from Chalchuapa, El Salvador, caught this video of flooded streets and overflowing waterways#HurricaneMilton pic.twitter.com/skqADp1IKW— Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) October 10, 2024
