On October 10, 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The storm, which initially struck as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key, quickly weakened to a Category 1 but left a trail of devastation in its wake.
With maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, Milton knocked out power to over 3 million customers and generated at least 150 tornadoes across the state. The storm resulted in at least nine confirmed fatalities, with additional casualties expected as search and rescue operations continue.
In the aftermath, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the full extent of the damage would become clearer as assessments were conducted throughout the day. He noted that while the feared storm surge for Tampa did not materialize, areas like Sarasota County experienced surges of 8 to 10 feet.
Reports indicate that Plant City faced staggering flooding, with over 13 inches of rain recorded. Emergency crews rescued dozens of residents trapped by the rising waters. St. Petersburg saw 18.5 inches of rain within 24 hours, marking a rare and severe weather event.
As the storm moved inland, officials urged residents to remain indoors due to ongoing risks from downed power lines and flooding. The situation remains critical as recovery efforts begin across the affected regions.