Milton Makes Landfall; ‘Multiple Fatalities’ Confirmed And Millions Without Power

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SARASOTA, Fla. — Hurricane Milton made landfall Wednesday night in Florida as a powerful Category 3 storm, bringing life-threatening storm surge, heavy winds, and rain.

The storm has left nearly two and a half million people without power after coming ashore earlier at Siesta Key — a barrier island just south of Sarasota. It’s since been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with winds of up to 90 miles per hour.

St. Petersburg saw five-inches of rain fall in one hour, adding to the additional foot of rain across the city the last day. St. Lucie County officials are reporting multiple fatalities related to Hurricane Milton after tornadoes hit the area.

Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed there had been multiple fatalities at a senior living community in Fort Pierce, about two hours southeast of Orlando. Pearson says the community is in 100-percent rescue mode. He estimates 100 homes were destroyed in the community after an estimated 17 tornadoes touched down.

Winds have ripped open the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. The domed stadium was being used as a base camp for thousands of emergency workers. There’s no word on whether there are any injuries.

Florida residents who’ve evacuated say they’re scared about returning home once Milton passes. Unlike Hurricane Helene which hit a much less populated area, Milton is impacting about three-point-three-million people. Some Tampa homeowners who left the area say they have a lot to fear with this hurricane and the damage to their properties could be catastrophic.