October 11, 2024 - Florida is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which has claimed at least 14 lives and left over three million residents without power. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread flooding and destruction across the state.
Officials report that tornadoes spawned by the hurricane have been responsible for most fatalities. In Fort Pierce, four residents of a senior living community perished when a tornado struck. The death toll includes five individuals in St. Lucie County, three in Volusia County, and two in St. Petersburg.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams having saved over 340 people and numerous pets. The National Weather Service issued a record 126 tornado warnings across Florida on the day of the storm, the highest number ever recorded.
Governor Ron DeSantis has confirmed that recovery efforts are underway, with over 50,000 utility workers deployed to restore power. Despite the significant damage, he noted that the situation could have been far worse, as initial forecasts had predicted catastrophic impacts.
Milton's progression has been closely monitored, and as of Thursday afternoon, it had transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone. The storm's intensity made it one of the strongest cyclones recorded in the Atlantic Basin, trailing only behind a few historical storms.
As communities begin to assess the damage, officials are urging residents to remain cautious of hazards such as downed power lines and debris. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, likely exacerbated by climate change.