Hurricane Milton has wreaked havoc across Florida, leading to significant flooding and power outages affecting over 3 million residents. The storm, which made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, has since weakened but continues to pose dangers with sustained winds of up to 140 km/h.
Authorities confirmed that at least four fatalities have occurred due to tornadoes spawned by the hurricane, particularly in St. Lucie County. Governor Ron DeSantis noted that more than 80,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters statewide as emergency services continue to assess the situation.
The storm's impact has led to widespread disruptions, including the closure of major airports and numerous rescues across the state. Officials are urging residents to stay away from affected areas until thorough assessments can be conducted.
Milton's rapid intensification and subsequent landfall serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by coastal communities in the face of climate-related natural disasters.